Himachal battered by 45 cloudbursts, Overall monsoon deaths touch 320
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Shimla, Aug 31,
Himachal Pradesh has been battered by an intense monsoon this year, witnessing 45 cloudbursts between June 20 and August 30, which left 17 people dead and caused widespread devastation across several districts. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the overall human death toll this monsoon has climbed to 320, making it one of the most destructive seasons in recent years.
Of the 320 casualties, 166 deaths were directly attributed to natural disasters, including 11 from landslides, 9 from flash floods, 33 from drowning, 14 from electrocution, 13 from falls off steep terrain or trees, and 38 from other causes. Road accidents, often exacerbated by slippery conditions and damaged roads, claimed another 154 lives.
District-wise, Kangra (30 deaths), Mandi (29 deaths), and Chamba (14 deaths) reported the highest human toll, while Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Una also suffered multiple casualties. In Lahaul-Spiti alone, three deaths were reported due to flash floods.
The damage to infrastructure and property has been staggering. The cumulative report pegs total losses at over Rs 3,04,207 lakh. Public infrastructure took a massive hit, with PWD (Rs 1,69,368.6 lakh), Jal Shakti (Rs 1,07,043.5 lakh), and power sector (Rs 13,946.69 lakh) incurring the bulk of damages. Schools, health facilities, fisheries, rural development, and urban development projects also suffered notable losses.
Private property destruction has been widespread, with 346 houses fully damaged and 478 partially damaged, alongside the loss of 981 cowsheds, 2,236 huts or labor sheds, 467 shops/factories, and 16 gharaats/smashan ghats. The state also reported losses to 39,000+ households and structures linked to rural livelihoods.
Agriculture and horticulture have been severely affected. Crops on more than 1.69 lakh hectares of farmland and orchards covering over 1.07 lakh hectares have been damaged, further straining the rural economy.
The animal husbandry sector recorded 1,873 livestock deaths and the loss of 25,755 poultry birds. Monetary compensation of ₹1,439.3 lakh in ex-gratia payments has been released to affected families, while departmental losses across various sectors stand at more than Rs 3 lakh crore (Rs 3,04,207.46 lakh).
Officials caution that with the monsoon yet to fully retreat, the disaster toll could rise further in September. The government has urged districts to remain on high alert, particularly in areas vulnerable to flash floods, landslides, and fresh cloudburst events.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
