H.P Monsoon: 42 lives lost, extensive damage
Shimla, July 6
The relentless monsoon season continues to wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh. Reports arriving that a tragedy struck near Bari Mandir in Mandi district, as Ranjit Singh from Bhambla village lost his life in a fatal road accident. With this. It has claimed lives of 42 individuals and caused widespread destruction. Since the monsoon arrived on June 24, a total of 74 people have been injured, while four individuals remain missing.
The majority of these fatalities are attributed to monsoon-related calamities, including drowning, falls from steep hillsides, and road accidents. The cumulative loss of life has prompted authorities to take immediate action to address the risks associated with the ongoing downpours.
The region has experienced a surge in natural disasters, with 12 landslides, one cloudburst, and 11 flash floods reported thus far. The resulting impact on infrastructure and property has been significant, with estimated monetary losses reaching a staggering 361.55 lakh rupees. Among the departments affected, the Jal Shakjti Vibhag has suffered a loss of 125.31 crore rupees, followed by the Public Works Department (PWD) with 163.52 crore rupees, HPSEBL with 0.92 crore rupees, Horticulture with 26.22 crore rupees, and the Urban Department with a loss of 0.38 crore rupees.
Also read: Monsoon rain damages number of houses and road in Himachal
The destruction has also taken a toll on residential areas, with nine houses completely destroyed and 48 others partially damaged. Additionally, the calamity has led to the loss of seven shops, 28 cowsheds, and a heartbreaking toll of 353 animals.
In a separate report from Hamirpur district, officials disclosed property damage worth 1.76 crore rupees over the past 24 hours alone. The cumulative loss caused by monsoon rains in Hamirpur district is estimated at approximately 19.64 crore rupees.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution and refrain from venturing out during heavy rains. Particularly, individuals are strongly advised to avoid approaching the River Beas and its tributaries, which are currently swollen due to heavy precipitation in their catchment areas.
State authorities remain vigilant, closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary support to affected areas. Mitigation efforts are underway to minimize further damage and ensure the safety of residents. The government continues to prioritize the welfare and protection of the people amid these challenging circumstances.
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