TNR News Network
SHIMLA: As the monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh nears its end, the devastation continues to mount. With September still ahead, the rains have shown no signs of letting up. The season, which began in June, has already caused widespread damage and disruption.
According to official data, losses across the state have reached Rs 4,156.27 crore as of September 9. With 20 days still left in the month, officials fear the figure could rise even further.
The relentless rainfall has affected life in nearly every corner of the state. Landslides, flashfloods, cloudbursts and overflowing rivers have taken a heavy toll on infrastructure, homes, and human lives.
Rain to persist till September 15, says IMD
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the rain will continue in Himachal Pradesh until September 15. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in several parts of the state during this period. A yellow alert has been issued for heavy rain on September 12 and 13.
On September 12, districts such as Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra and Sirmaur are under alert, while the next day, the warning extends to include Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Kullu. The extended spell of rainfall is likely to cause further inconvenience, especially in areas already battered by landslides and flooding. The alerts have heightened anxiety among residents who are still reeling from earlier weather events.
Massive infrastructure, property losses reported
Since the arrival of the monsoon on June 20, Himachal has witnessed damages amounting to over Rs 4,156 crore. The worst-hit districts include Kangra (Rs 1,383.80 crore), Mandi (Rs 1,285.89 crore) and Chamba (Rs 1,109.71 crore), followed closely by Una (Rs 953.97 crore) and Kullu (Rs 919.57 crore). Other districts like Hamirpur, Shimla, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti have also recorded substantial damages.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has been hit the hardest, incurring losses of over Rs 2,518 crore due to road and infrastructure damage. Over 680 roads remain blocked and traffic is disrupted on at least four national highways.
The Jal Shakti Department has suffered Rs 1,287 crore in losses, with more than 420 water supply schemes affected. Power infrastructure damages have cost Rs 139 crore, while agriculture and horticulture losses stand at Rs 51.64 crore and Rs 27.43 crore, respectively.
Thousands of houses damaged
The human cost of the monsoon has been equally tragic. Between June 20 and September 9, at least 378 people have lost their lives due to rain-related disasters. Another 40 individuals are still missing and 437 have been reported injured.
The calamities have also left many without shelter. A total of 1,237 homes — 489 permanent and 748 temporary — have been completely destroyed. Another 5,319 houses have suffered partial damage.
In addition to residential losses, 469 shops and small factories have been damaged, and more than 5,469 cowsheds have been destroyed, affecting livelihoods across rural areas.
