85 dead in Himachal Pradesh monsoon havoc

NEW DELHI: At least 85 people have died in Himachal Pradesh as relentless monsoon rains continue to batter the hill state, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Of the total casualties, 54 deaths were directly linked to rain-induced incidents such as landslides, flash floods and cloudbursts, while 31 people were killed in road accidents. In its latest update, the SDMA said the state remains under severe stress from incessant downpours. In the past 24 hours alone, 204 roads, including the National Highway NH-003 between Mandi and Dharampur via Kotli, have been rendered impassable. Meanwhile, 192 distribution transformers (DTRs) have been knocked out and 740 water supply schemes disrupted. The worst-affected district is Mandi, which accounts for 138 blocked roads, widespread power outages and significant damage to drinking water systems. In Kullu, 20 roads were blocked due to heavy rains, while Sirmaur and Kangra also reported major disruptions to infrastructure and essential services. “All emergency services are on alert. Restoration of road access, electricity, and water supply is ongoing,” said officials at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). The SDMA has urged the public to avoid travel on landslide-prone and high-altitude routes, warning that further rainfall is expected over the coming days. On Wednesday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited flood-ravaged areas in the Seraj Assembly constituency of Mandi district. During his visit, he assured affected families of full government support and inspected a relief camp set up at Bagsiad. Speaking to reporters, CM Sukhu said relief and rescue operations were being carried out effectively, but expressed concern about misinformation being circulated on social media. “I personally delivered relief material and ration to rain-hit Galu in a helicopter,” Sukhu said. “Later, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh also visited the affected areas to assess the damage.” The state government has stepped up efforts to provide emergency relief, but with rains expected to continue, authorities remain on high alert.