Rains create havoc in Himachal; death toll rises to 170

Rains have been relentless in Himachal Pradesh, which has caused 31 roads to be blocked and the deaths of 170 people.

Rains in Himachal Pradesh have caused massive disruption, with the death toll rising to 170 thus far. Relentless rains in the state have even blocked 301 roads, disrupting power and water services with significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

Relentless rains disrupt Himachal Pradesh.

Continuous rains in Himachal Pradesh have blocked 301 roads. The highest number of road blockages was reported in Mandi district with 193 routes shut, followed by Kullu and Chamba. The relentless rains have resulted in widespread disruption of public utilities in the state. As of July 31, 10 am, and as per the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), a total of 301 roads remain blocked, 436 power distribution transformers (DTRs) are disrupted, and 254 water supply schemes have been affected across the state. The report confirmed that heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has been the primary reason for the widespread breakdown in public services.

Death toll rises to 170 with relentless rains in Himachal Pradesh.

The highest number of road blockages was reported in Mandi district with 193 routes shut, followed by Kullu (47) and Chamba (25). Power transformers disruption were also severe in Kullu (134) and Chamba (142) districts. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, the death toll has reached 170, comprising 94 rain-related fatalities and 76 deaths due to road accidents.

Authorities have been on high alert as key national highways, including NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu, have been rendered impassable due to landslides and flooding. Restoration work is ongoing; however, continuous rains are hampering the pace of recovery. Earlier, a report by SEOC revealed that the monsoon havoc has led to damage worth over ₹1,59,981 lakh to public and private property, with 2,743 hectares of crops affected, 680 homes damaged, and over 22,900 livestock lost. To restore essential services and clear roads, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) continues to coordinate with local administrations. So far, Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district has suffered losses of over ₹48 crore since the beginning of the monsoon session.