India, Himachal Pradesh: Torrential monsoon rain has disrupted power and transport infrastructure across the state, leaving 255 distribution transformer regions (DTRs) out of service and blocking 124 roads, according to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC).
The Mandi district was the worst affected, accounting for 245 transformer outages, including 163 in Sundernagar and 63 in Mandi subdivisions. Further transformer disruptions were reported in Kalpa in Kinnaur, Chopal in Shimla and Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur.
Road infrastructure has also been heavily affected. Mandi reported 51 blocked roads, followed by Kullu with 39 and Shimla with 13. Smaller numbers of closures were recorded in Chamba, Sirmaur, Kangra, Lahaul and Spiti, and Una.
The monsoon has also disrupted 17 water supply schemes, including 12 in Shimla and five in Hamirpur. Restoration teams are working to reopen roads, restore electricity and repair drinking water infrastructure, with priority being given to key transport routes and essential utilities.
According to the cumulative monsoon disaster report, 155 people have died, including 68 in disaster-related incidents and 87 in road accidents. Landslides, flash floods, falling trees and rocks, drowning and fires were among the reported causes.
The estimated cumulative damage to public departments, agriculture and private property has reached $87.7 M (Rs 83,526.19 lakhs), with the Public Works Department accounting for the largest share.
Source: Awaz – The Voice
