Himachal: As Monsoon Recedes, Devastating Aftermath Emerges

As conditions become favorable for the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from parts of Himachal Pradesh, the state is grappling with the aftermath of an exceptionally intense monsoon season that has left a trail of destruction, officials reported on Tuesday. The monsoon, which has been largely inactive in recent days, triggered light rainfall in isolated areas, with Jogindernagar recording 6 mm, Sarahan 2.5 mm, and Narkanda 0.5 mm, according to the local Meteorological Office.

Since June 1, Himachal Pradesh has experienced 43% excess rainfall, receiving 1,023.4 mm against a normal of 717.6 mm. This year’s monsoon has been catastrophic, with 47 cloudbursts, 98 flash floods, and 148 major landslides reported. The toll is staggering: 451 fatalities, including 262 from rain-related incidents and 189 from road accidents, alongside 497 injuries and 47 people still missing.

The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that 340 roads, including two national highways—NH 3 (Attari-Leh) and NH-503A (Amritsar-Bhota)—remain closed, with Mandi (109 roads) and Kullu (106 roads) districts bearing the brunt.

The devastation extends to infrastructure, with 45 power transformers and 77 water supply schemes disrupted, contributing to estimated losses of Rs 4,861 crore. The state government is actively engaged in restoration efforts, focusing on reopening roads, restoring utilities, and providing aid to affected communities.

As Himachal Pradesh navigates the recovery process, the impending monsoon withdrawal offers hope for relief, but the scale of the disaster underscores the urgent need for robust disaster management and infrastructure resilience.

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