Himachal Pradesh monsoon losses reach ₹1,662 crore

The state of Himachal Pradesh has incurred cumulative financial losses of approximately ₹1,661.97 crore due to the 2026 monsoon season. According to data from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the 74-day period between June 30 and September 11 was marked by heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides.

The extreme weather resulted in 296 fatalities, consisting of 119 deaths directly attributed to natural disasters and 177 deaths caused by monsoon-related road accidents. Additionally, 520 people were injured, and the official assessment reported the deaths of 521 domestic animals and 521 poultry birds.

The Public Works Department (PWD) sustained the most significant structural damage, accounting for ₹1,231.59 crore, which represents nearly three-quarters of the total government losses. PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh noted that while current SEOC reports list the department's losses at ₹1,231.59 crore, ongoing ground assessments suggest the actual figure for the department could reach between ₹1,500 crore and ₹1,600 crore due to washed-away bridges, collapsed retaining walls, and damaged roads.