Shimla: The monsoon season has been a deadly one in Himachal Pradesh, with at least 367 people killed in rain-related incidents since June 24. The state government has said that the majority of the deaths have been caused by landslides and flash floods.
The worst-hit districts have been Kullu, Shimla, and Chamba. In Kullu, 124 people have died, while 72 have died in Shimla and 59 in Chamba. Other districts that have also been affected by the monsoon include Kangra, Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur.
The state government has deployed teams of rescue workers to the affected areas, and they are working to evacuate people from danger zones. The government has also announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh for the families of the deceased.
The monsoon season is a time of increased risk of natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh. The state is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, and it is prone to landslides and flash floods. The downpour has resulted in closure of numerous routes including National Highway 305, with approximately 281 roads being blocked due to the deluge. Additionally, 177 water supply schemes have suffered disruptions while there were no fire incidents recorded in past 24 hours.The government has urged people to be careful and to avoid taking unnecessary risks during the monsoon season.
In addition to the deaths, the monsoon has also caused widespread damage to infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. Roads have been blocked, bridges have been washed away, and crops have been damaged. The government has estimated that the total damage caused by the monsoon is in excess of Rs. 1000 crore.