SHIMLA, JULY 3: The southwest monsoon has made a grim beginning in Himachal Pradesh, leaving a trail of death and destruction within just four days.
Official data released by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) under the Revenue Department shows that from June 30 to July 3, the state has lost 14 lives, while 24 people have been injured and the overall damage has already mounted to ₹1,527.52 lakh (₹15.27 crore).
Human tragedy has emerged as the biggest concern, with the monsoon claiming lives through multiple causes rather than a single disaster.
The SEOC data reveals that five people died after falling from trees or steep rocks, three due to electrocution, three in other monsoon-related incidents, one in a fire, and two in road accidents linked to the season.
The figures underline that the monsoon's impact extends far beyond landslides and flash floods.
Shimla has emerged as one of the worst-hit districts in terms of fatalities. The district reported three deaths and five injuries, while Mandi recorded two deaths and one injury.
Kangra lost five lives and reported 20 injured, making it the district with the highest number of injuries. Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and Solan also reported casualties, reflecting that almost every region of the state is facing the monsoon's wrath.
Public infrastructure has suffered the biggest financial blow. Government assets alone have sustained losses worth ₹14.45 crore, accounting for nearly 95 per cent of the total damage reported so far.
The data indicates that roads, public utilities and departmental infrastructure have borne the maximum impact as heavy rain continues to batter the hill state.
Private property has not escaped the destruction either. The report records one fully damaged pucca house, 56 partially damaged houses, one damaged cowshed, and damage to eight livestock, besides losses to private property estimated at ₹26.45 lakh.
Though the financial value appears modest compared to public losses, the impact on affected families is devastating as many have lost their homes and livelihoods overnight.
District-wise figures reveal varying levels of devastation. Kangra accounted for ₹20.10 lakh in private losses, Mandi ₹28.80 lakh, Shimla ₹12.30 lakh, Kullu ₹7 lakh, Chamba ₹6.30 lakh, Lahaul-Spiti ₹8 lakh, and Solan ₹0.25 lakh, while several other districts have so far reported limited financial losses despite casualties.
The official figures also serve as an early warning rather than the final tally. With the monsoon having only just begun and heavier rainfall forecast in the coming weeks, disaster management officials expect the damage and casualty figures to rise further.
The SEOC has been issuing daily updates as authorities keep a close watch on vulnerable areas prone to landslides, cloudbursts, road collapses and flooding.
For thousands living in the hills, the monsoon is no longer merely a season of rain but one of survival.
