Himachal monsoon toll rises to 386; 218 dead in rain incidents, 168 in road crashes; losses Rs 4,465 crore: SDMA Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 12 (ANI): The monsoon season of 2025 has left Himachal Pradesh reeling under unprecedented destruction, with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirming that 386 people have lost their lives since June 20, while the estimated economic losses have surged to an alarming Rs 4,465 crore. According to the cumulative loss report released by the SDMA on Friday, 218 deaths were caused by rain-related disasters, including landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, electrocution, snake bites, and house collapses. In addition, 168 people were killed in road accidents, taking the total death toll to 386. The SDMA report shows that, along with the loss of human lives, 2,083 animals have perished, while over 26,955 poultry birds were lost during the season. More than 451 people have been injured and 1,544 houses fully damaged, while another 41 shops, 38 cow sheds, 66 labour huts, and hundreds of partially damaged homes have been reported across districts. The cumulative monetary loss is pegged at ₹4,46,574.93 Lakh (₹4,46,5 crore), the bulk of which comes from damage to roads, power, water supply, agriculture, horticulture, education, fisheries, and rural development infrastructure - ₹2,71,879 Lakh in damage to roads (PWD), ₹1,38,644 Lakh in damage to water supply and irrigation schemes (Jal Shakti Vibhag), and ₹13,946 Lakh in the power sector. Mandi recorded the highest rain-related toll at 37 deaths, followed by Kullu (31), Kangra (33), and Chamba (21). In road accidents, Mandi (24 deaths), Kangra (21), Chamba (22), and Shimla (18) were among the worst affected. Officials said restoration efforts are continuing across the state, though hundreds of roads, transformers, and water supply schemes remain disrupted. The SDMA has emphasised that the scale of destruction is among the worst the hill state has witnessed in recent decades. The authority has also reiterated the need for greater central support and region-specific disaster relief policies, noting that rebuilding mountain infrastructure requires 20-30 times higher expenditure compared to plains. (ANI) Himachal: 500 roads, 953 power transformers, 336 water schemes hit, says SDMA Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 12 (ANI): The devastating monsoon of 2025 continues to cripple Himachal Pradesh, with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on Friday evening confirming massive disruption to public utilities. According to the SDMA''s 6 pm report, 500 roads, including three national highways, remain blocked across the state. At least 953 electricity distribution transformers (DTRs) and 336 water supply schemes are also disrupted due to incessant rainfall and related damages. The monsoon death toll has climbed to 386, with the SDMA specifying that 218 deaths were directly caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, while 168 people lost their lives in rain-triggered road accidents. The cumulative economic loss in the state has been pegged at over ₹4,500 crore, officials said. While small vehicles have been able to move on partially restored stretches, heavy vehicles continue to face restrictions in many areas. Massive restoration efforts are underway, but several interior regions remain cut off. Kullu, Mandi, and Chamba are among the worst-hit districts, with extensive road blockages and heavy damage to power and water infrastructure. In Kullu alone, over 170 roads were disrupted along with more than 500 transformers, while Mandi reported over 130 blocked roads and 250 transformers down. Shimla district continues to face significant disruption in water supply schemes. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has maintained a yellow alert for rain, warning that fresh spells could further hamper restoration and pose risks in vulnerable areas. Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in landslide-prone zones. (ANI)