Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 15 (ANI): The monsoon has claimed 183 lives in Himachal Pradesh in 47 days, while cumulative losses due to rain-related incidents and other natural hazards have
crossed Rs 972 crore since June 30, according to the latest data released by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). The cumulative loss report of the Department of Revenue’s Disaster Management Cell estimated the total financial damage at Rs 97,263.91 lakh (approximately Rs 972.64 crore) between June 30 and August 15. Of the 183 deaths, 79 were attributed to natural hazards and other rain-related incidents, while 104 people lost their lives in road accidents during the period. The natural hazard-related fatalities include 14 deaths due to landslides, 27 caused by falls from steep rocks or trees, 15 due to other weather-related incidents, eight snakebite deaths, eight electrocution deaths, five drowning deaths and one death in a flash flood. Lahaul and Spiti recorded the highest number of deaths due to natural hazards at 14, followed by Kangra with 13 and Shimla with 11. Road accidents accounted for 104 fatalities, with Chamba and Sirmaur recording 16 deaths each, followed by Kullu with 14. The monsoon-related incidents have also left 291 people injured and 31 missing. According to official data, more than 732 animals and 225 poultry birds have also been lost. Public infrastructure has suffered the largest share of the damage, with the Public Works Department (PWD) reporting losses worth Rs 73,395.46 lakh, followed by the Jal Shakti Vibhag with losses of Rs 21,640.62 lakh. Damage to power and electricity infrastructure has been estimated at Rs 530.61 lakh. Private property has also suffered damage, with 83 houses completely destroyed and 242 partially damaged. As many as 260 cattle sheds have also been damaged. Ex-gratia assistance amounting to Rs 592 lakh has been sanctioned for affected families so far. The latest public utility status report, as of 5 pm on August 15, showed that 103 roads remained blocked across the state. Mandi was the worst-affected district, with 43 roads blocked, followed by Kullu with 32 and Chamba with eight. A total of 46 distribution transformer regions (DTRs) were out of service, with Mandi accounting for 39 and Shimla for five. Water supply has also been affected, with 221 schemes disrupted across the state. Of these, 209 are in Mandi district. Authorities and emergency response teams are continuing restoration work to reopen blocked roads and restore power and water supply in affected areas. The 183 deaths recorded over the 47-day period translate to an average of nearly four fatalities a day since June 30. (ANI)
