Himachal Pradesh: 51 dead, 22 missing in floods, landslides; Kangra, Mandi worst hit

NEW DELHI: Himachal Pradesh has recorded 51 deaths and 22 missing persons due to torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides during the ongoing monsoon season from June 20 to July 1, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre's latest damage assessment report.

The natural disasters have caused extensive damage to private properties, livestock, and public infrastructure across the state's 12 districts.The SEOC report detailed that Mandi district was the worst affected with 10 deaths and all 34 missing persons primarily due to flash floods and cloudbursts. Additionally, 103 people have been injured in monsoon-related incidents across the state."A total of 51 deaths have been reported so far due to multiple causes, including flash floods, drowning, landslides, lightning strikes, and road accidents.

The number of missing persons currently stands at 22, with Mandi district reporting the highest -- 10 deaths and all 34 missing persons -- primarily due to flash floods and cloudbursts," the SEOC said in its report.The assessment revealed damage to 204 houses, with 22 being fully damaged. The disaster also affected 84 shops, cow sheds, and labour huts, with private property losses estimated at Rs 88.03 lakh.Public infrastructure suffered the most significant damage, with losses amounting to Rs 283.39 crore.

The affected sectors include the Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Vibhag, and power sector, along with health, education, rural and urban development, fisheries, and animal husbandry departments."These figures are cumulative and subject to updates as field reports continue to arrive. All district authorities are on high alert and conducting rescue, relief, and restoration operations," the SEOC spokesperson added.Kangra district reported the highest fatalities with 13 deaths, followed by Mandi and Chamba with 6 each, and Kullu with 4 deaths. Kinnaur, Shimla, and Una reported between 2 to 4 deaths, while Sirmaur and Solan recorded fewer casualties.On July 1, seven new fatalities were reported - one each in Bilaspur and Mandi, three in Kullu, and two in Chamba, with the latter five deaths resulting from road accidents.The disaster has also claimed 84 cattle and livestock lives, affecting rural families dependent on agriculture and dairying.

June proved particularly devastating with 132 deaths, 270 injuries, and 830 animal casualties.The Himachal Pradesh government has implemented emergency protocols and established a 24x7 control room at SEOC. The public can report emergencies through helpline 1070, while disaster management authorities continue to monitor the situation and coordinate relief efforts with district administrations.