Himachal monsoon mayhem: 199 dead, 31 missing in rain-related incidents
The state's Principal Secretary of disaster management noted increasing loss of lives and infrastructure damage as Himachal recovers from floods
Shimla, August 4: The state disaster management authority reported nearly 200 rain-related deaths and 31 missing people in Himachal Pradesh during the past 41 days since the onset of the monsoon. Out of the total deaths, 57 were due to landslides and flash floods, while 142 people lost their lives in road accidents during the monsoon period.
The principal secretary of disaster management noted that the loss of lives is increasing as the state continues to recover from the rain and floods. The estimated infrastructure damages due to the rains have reached 6563.58 crores.
The flash floods caused damage to 774 houses and partial damage to 7317 houses. Additionally, 254 shops and 2337 cow sheds were also damaged. The state witnessed 79 landslides and 53 flash flood incidents.
Nearly 300 roads are closed, and 274 electricity and 42 water supply schemes remain disrupted in the state. The state disaster management authority issued an alert due to heavy rain warnings for the next two days.
Amidst the natural calamity, the tourism industry in Shimla suffered a severe setback as the Kalka-Shimla four-lane National Highway 5 in Solan district was washed away in a landslide. This disaster raised concerns about the future of businesses in the state capital, with tourists halting their trips due to fears of flash floods and landslides.
Also Read: Himachal flashfloods: 330 roads closed, landslides wreak havoc during monsoon deluge