Monsoon onslaught in Himachal Pradesh leaves 70 dead, blocks 204 roads, damages over Rs 910 crore

Continuous monsoon activity across Himachal Pradesh has resulted in 70 disaster-related deaths and the blockage of 204 roads over the last 43 days, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre. The fatalities include 14 from landslides, 23 from falls off slopes or trees, seven snake-bite victims, six electrocution cases and four deaths caused by cloudbursts. The Public Works Department bears the brunt of the destruction, with losses estimated at Rs 686.36 crore, while the power sector reports damage of about Rs 203.90 crore.

Road networks are heavily impacted, with Mandi experiencing the highest number of closures at 80, Kullu with 56, and Sirmaur with 23; two national highways, NH-154 and NH-21, are also among the affected routes. Overall public-property damage surpasses Rs 910 crore, highlighting the severe strain on the region's infrastructure.