Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Devastation: 40 Dead and Rising Flood Risks

Since the monsoon onset on June 27, Himachal Pradesh has reported 40 rain-related deaths and incurred Rs 329 crore in losses. On July 20, a cloudburst in Raitua village led to one fatality. As heavy rains and flash floods continue, the state faces significant damage and disruption warnings.

Since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 40 fatalities due to rain-related incidents and suffered financial losses amounting to Rs 329 crore, as reported by the state emergency operation centre.

A cloudburst in Raitua village in Anj Bhoj area under Paonta subdivision in Sirmaur district late Friday night resulted in the death of one person. Paonta Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gunjeet Cheema confirmed that the body of Aman Singh, a 48-year-old resident of Danda Anj village, was recovered from the Tons River after an extensive overnight search operation conducted by local residents and police.

The local Met office issued an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning on July 23 and indicated a moderate flash flood risk for Sirmaur and Shimla districts in the next 24 hours. Intermittent rains continue to lash various parts of the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)