Himachal Pradesh’s monsoon has turned deadly this year, with 326 people losing their lives so far, as per figures from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Of these, 171 died in rain-linked incidents such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, and electrocution, while 155 died in separate road accidents.

The impact has been widespread, leaving 385 people injured. Since June 20, the state has also recorded damages worth over ₹3,158 crore to homes, shops, crops, livestock, and government infrastructure.

Several districts have been hit hard. Mandi reported 29 deaths, followed by Kangra (30), Shimla (17), Kullu (15), and Chamba (14) in rain-related incidents. Road accidents claimed the most lives in Chamba and Mandi (22 each), Kangra (19), Shimla (16), and Kinnaur (14).

Infrastructure and property losses

The rain fury has left a trail of destruction across Himachal. The latest State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) report shows 1,277 roads, including four National Highways, are blocked. The power network is badly affected, with 3,207 transformers disrupted, while 790 water supply schemes are currently not working.

Government departments like Public Works, Jal Shakti, Power, Health, Education, and Rural Development have together suffered damages worth ₹1,400 crore. On the private side, 1,304 houses were fully destroyed, 503 houses partly damaged, 1,005 cowsheds flattened, and crops on 2,330 hectares wiped out. Losses include ₹27.43 crore in horticulture and ₹11.45 crore in agriculture. Animal deaths have also been reported, with 27,653 poultry birds and 1,898 livestock lost.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has already declared the situation a “state disaster” under the Disaster Management Act. However, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur criticised the state’s response, saying relief efforts were slow and inadequate, especially in Chamba and Mandi districts, where the Manimahesh Yatra was badly disrupted.

With the heavy rain showing no sign of easing, the Shimla district administration has ordered all schools in the district to remain closed on September 2.

Teachers have been asked to conduct online classes from home so that students do not miss out on lessons.

“This decision has been taken keeping in mind the current circumstances,” said the Deputy Commissioner of Shimla.