Death toll rises to 306 in monsoon season, Himachal Pradesh, India

The ongoing monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh, India, has resulted in 306 fatalities since June 20, according to data from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

Of the total, 155 deaths were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, and electrocution, while 148 were due to road accidents during the rainy season. Three pilgrims died during the Manimahesh Yatra after developing high-altitude sickness amid flash floods and landslides.

At least 360 people were injured in rain-related incidents. Structural damage includes 1 212 houses, of which 317 were completely destroyed and 367 partially damaged. In addition, 2 766 cowsheds and 836 shops were affected. Cropland and horticultural areas also sustained significant losses.

Infrastructure damage has been extensive. More than 625 roads, including three national highways (NH-03, NH-154, and NH-305), remain blocked. Power supply has been disrupted, with 1 533 transformers non-operational, particularly in Solan (446), Chamba (409), and Kullu (160). Water distribution networks are also affected, with 168 schemes out of service, mainly in Chamba (36), Mandi (36), and Shimla (32).

The SDMA estimates the financial losses at ₹2 348.62 crore (USD 281.8 million). The breakdown includes losses of ₹1 310.79 crore (USD 157.3 million) in the Public Works Department, ₹769.74 crore (USD 92.4 million) in water supply systems, and ₹139.46 crore (USD 16.7 million) in power infrastructure.

District-level fatalities show the highest rain-related deaths in Mandi (29) and Kangra (29), followed by Chamba (14) and Kullu (13). Road accident deaths were highest in Chamba (22), Mandi (22), and Kangra (19).

The state government has advised residents to avoid rivers and nullahs during continued heavy rainfall. Relief operations are ongoing but remain constrained by terrain and persistent weather conditions.

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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