Himachal Pradesh is struggling with the devastating effect of the monsoon, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 572 roads including two national highways are still blocked, besides 483 distribution transformers and 203 water supply schemes across the state. The SDMA said in its morning report on Wednesday that a total of 417 deaths occurred in the monsoon from June 20. Out of these, 236 people were killed in rainy incidents such as landslides, sudden floods, house fall and drowning, while 181 people lost their lives in road accidents due to meteorological disruption.
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Among the major road barriers, National Highway-05 in Nigulsi, Kinnaur and National Highway-503A near Bhadsali Bridge in Una are closed for traffic. In Kullu district, traffic is restricted on parts of National Highway-03 and National Highway between Kalath and Bindu Dhank on Kullu-Manali route on parts of National Highway-305, where only light vehicles are allowed. Electricity supply in many districts has been severely affected due to the disruptions of 483 power transformers, the mandi alone has caused power failure 363 times. Drinking water supply has also been affected, especially in Hamirpur (49 schemes), Mandi (56 schemes) and Shimla (41 schemes), which has to struggle for essential commodities.
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Zilewar, Mandi (229 roads blocked) and Kullu (153 roads blocked) are among the most affected districts. Other districts like Shimla (46 roads), Kangra (46 roads), Chamba (21 roads) and Solan (16 roads) are also suffering continuously landslides and slippery. The SDMA said that the restoration of restoration is going on a war footing, but due to frequent rains and latest landslides, the cleanliness drive is being interrupted in many parts.