417 Lives Lost, ₹4,582 Crore Damage in Rain Havoc Across Himachal

CM reviews monsoon losses, orders relief measures

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said today that unprecedented heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides during the ongoing monsoon have claimed 417 lives in Himachal Pradesh and caused damages exceeding ₹4,582 crore.

He was chairing a high-level meeting here to review the devastation caused by the recent spell of torrential rains over the past 48 hours. Sukhu said 417 people have died so far this monsoon, while 45 others remain missing.

Expressing concern over the loss of lives and property, the Chief Minister directed officials to act swiftly to ensure the safety and welfare of affected families. He noted that five people had died in the past two days alone—three in Nihari and two near Pandoh in Mandi district’s Sadar sub-division—while two others were reported missing.

Sukhu said the state has received 136% above-normal rainfall this month and 45% higher rainfall over the entire monsoon season. The downpour has damaged 15,022 structures, including 1,502 completely destroyed houses, 6,467 partially damaged homes, 6,316 cowsheds, and 594 shops.

The Chief Minister instructed all Deputy Commissioners to remain on alert and personally visit affected areas to monitor relief and rescue operations. He directed PWD officials to restore road connectivity at the earliest, especially in apple-growing regions, so that farmers can transport their produce to markets without suffering financial losses.

He also ordered the immediate restoration of power and water supply schemes, along with other essential services, in affected areas. The HPMC has been asked to deploy additional vehicles to transport apples from its collection centres.

Under the special relief package, Sukhu said the government is providing ₹10,000 per month in urban areas and ₹5,000 in rural areas as rental assistance to families rendered homeless. People living in unsafe structures will be relocated to safer places, he added.

The meeting was attended by Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Congress Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, MLA Hardeep Bawa, Principal Advisor (IT & Innovation) to the CM Gokul Butel, and other senior officials. Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and senior officers from various districts joined virtually.