Landslides and Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Himachal Pradesh, 340 Lives Lost Since Monsoon Onset

Strategic Insights -

Torrential rains and landslides have caused widespread destruction in Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of 340 people since the onset of the monsoon on June 20. Five people were killed in separate incidents on Tuesday, including a woman who was buried in the debris of her house that collapsed in Solan district. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that 1,337 roads, including four national highways, have been blocked due to landslides.

Key Takeaways:

  • 340 lives have been lost in Himachal Pradesh since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, with 182 deaths due to rain-related incidents and 158 in road accidents.
  • 95 flash floods, 45 cloudbursts, and 121 major landslides have occurred in the state since June 20.
  • 1,337 roads, including four national highways, have been blocked due to landslides, affecting connectivity to interior areas.
  • An orange alert of heavy rains has been issued for four districts, and a yellow alert for two districts, with the Met office predicting isolated areas facing severe rains.
  • Efforts are underway to evacuate 5,000 Manimahesh pilgrims stuck in Chamba district, with 16 pilgrims having died since the yatra started on August 15.
  • Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the district administration to arrange for the air evacuation of stranded devotees.

Statistics:

  • 95 flash floods have occurred in Himachal Pradesh since June 20.
  • 45 cloudbursts have occurred in the state since June 20.
  • 121 major landslides have occurred in Himachal Pradesh since June 20.
  • Road connectivity has been blocked due to landslides for several days in several districts.
  • The state has recorded extensive damage to public and private property worth Rs.3,52,537.58 lakh since June 20.
  • 2180 power transformers and 777 water supply schemes have been disrupted across the state.
  • 16 pilgrims have died since the Manimahesh Yatra started on August 15.

Sources:

  • HT Chandigarh
  • State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC)