Shimla, Sept 4 (UNI) The monsoon has unleashed unprecedented devastation in Himachal Pradesh, with the season breaking all past records of rainfall and destruction.
As of now, 343 people have lost their lives, 41 remain missing, and nearly 917 houses have been completely destroyed while 3,580 suffered partial damage. The overall loss to government and private property has crossed Rs 3,525 crore.
In Kullu district’s Akhada Bazaar, a landslide damaged two houses early this morning, killing one person and trapping six others. Rescue operations by NDRF and local police managed to save three people, while efforts continue to rescue the rest.
In a grim reminder of the disaster’s scale, an NDRF jawan buried under debris yesterday was pulled out alive after 24 hours but remains in critical condition.
According to the Meteorological Department, Himachal has received 62 per cent more rainfall than normal this season. Against a normal of 632 mm between June 1 and September 3, the state has recorded 921 mm.
Shimla district alone has seen 110 pc excess rainfall, while Kullu registered 107 per cent above normal. Other districts, including Bilaspur, Solan, Una, and Mandi, have also received far higher than average rainfall.
The last three days of August witnessed 63 per cent above-normal rainfall, triggering 45 cloudbursts, 127 major landslides, and 75 flash floods. Tourist hotspots like Manali, Kullu, Mandi, and Chamba remain cut off, with NH-3 blocked for the past 20 days. Over a dozen multi-storey buildings have collapsed, while shifting river courses have swallowed habitations.
Despite the scale of the tragedy, relief and rescue operations are moving slowly, with the state still waiting for a comprehensive relief package from the Centre.
Meanwhile, all educational institutions, both government and private, will remain closed till September 7 as the weather department has issued heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings for several districts.
Monsoon fury ravages Himachal Pradesh, death toll rises to 343
