Monsoon havoc in Himachal: Over 230 roads still blocked, power distribution and water supply disrupted
Jul 19, 2025
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 19 : Himachal Pradesh continues to battle the fury of the monsoon, with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirming over 230 roads are still blocked, 41 power distribution transformers (DTRs), and 56 water supply facilities were hampered, and a total of 116 deaths have been reported across the state since June 20.
Of these, 68 deaths were directly caused by rain-related calamities, while 48 people died in road accidents, many of which are being attributed to dangerous weather and poor visibility.
According to the latest update issued by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) at 10:00 AM on July 19, heavy rains over the last 24 hours have resulted in 231 roads being blocked, the disruption of 41 power distribution transformers (PDTRs), and 56 water supply schemes being affected across various districts.
"Between June 20 and July 18, Himachal Pradesh recorded 116 deaths -- 68 from natural disasters like flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides, and 48 due to road accidents," said an SDMA official.
As per SDMA, out of the total 116 deaths, rain-related fatalities are 68, 14 from flash floods, 14 by cloudbursts, 12 by drowning, electrocution left 5 dead, while landslides, snake bites, lightning and other causes killed 23. While 48 people died in road accidents.
Among districts, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu have witnessed the most severe disruption, both in terms of infrastructure and casualties. On July 19 alone, Mandi reported 153 blocked roads, 35 DTR failures, and 43 water schemes disrupted, mostly due to relentless rain.
In Kullu, 39 roads remain blocked, while in Sirmaur, NH-707 was closed near Hevna due to landslides. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with the Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Vibhag, and local authorities working to restore services.
The SDMA has urged people to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and heed all weather-related advisories. Relief and rescue efforts involving the NDRF, SDRF, and local administrations are actively underway.
