Himachal Pradesh has faced severe monsoon-related incidents since June 20. The State Disaster Management Authority reported tragic losses on Monday.

Casualties and Incidents

The state has seen a significant loss of life and property. Here are the key points:

• 78 people have died
• 37 people are missing
• 115 people have been injured

By Sunday, the state had experienced:

• 23 flash floods
• 19 cloud bursts
• 16 landslides

Causes of Deaths

The deaths were caused by various incidents including:

• 14 deaths due to flash floods
• 8 deaths by drowning
• 8 deaths from electrocution and accidental falls
• Other incidents such as landslides, lightning strikes, snake bites, and road accidents

Worst Affected Areas

Mandi district was the worst affected, with:

• 14 deaths
• 5 injuries

Rescue Operations

About 250 personnel from various forces are conducting search and rescue operations. These include:

• National and State Disaster Response Forces
• The Army
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police
• Home Guards
• State administration and residents

Relief Efforts

Officials have provided immediate relief and support:

• Rs 12.44 lakh in immediate relief
• 1,538 ration kits distributed
• An extra Rs 5 lakh each sent to the Thunag and Janjheli subdivisions in Mandi district

Estimated Losses

The State Emergency Operation Centre estimated losses to public and private infrastructure at about Rs 572 crore. However, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu claimed that the actual figure could be closer to Rs 700 crore.

Weather Warning

The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain in isolated places in the state until Thursday.

Political Reactions

‘Texas closer to PM’s heart’: Congress

On Monday, the Congress criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They pointed out that he had not spoken about the loss of lives in Himachal Pradesh. However, he expressed sadness over the floods in Texas, USA.

At least 78 people, including 28 children, have died due to floods in Texas. On Saturday, Modi condoled the deaths on social media. He said he was “deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives, especially children in the devastating floods in Texas”.

Congress leader Pawan Khera said on Monday that the prime minister had “not spoken a word of consolation to those suffering in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi, where over 70 people are feared dead in the calamitous floods”.

“Meanwhile, he is deeply saddened by the destruction caused by floods in Texas, USA…Texas may be far from Delhi but is closer to the PM’s heart than anyone in Mandi is,” said Khera.