Himachal Pradesh has been devastated by relentless monsoon rains since June 20, resulting in over 300 deaths and widespread destruction

NEW DELHI: More than 300 people have died in Himachal Pradesh since June 20 as relentless monsoon rain triggered landslides, flash floods and widespread damage to homes, farms and infrastructure, officials said.According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 166 people were killed in rain-related incidents such as landslides, drowning and electrocution, while another 154 died in road accidents linked to the weather. At least 379 others were injured.

The downpours have destroyed more than 1,280 houses and damaged dozens of shops and factories. Authorities estimate nearly 35,240 animals have died and financial losses exceed Rs 3 lakh crore.Landslides in ShimlaShimla district has been among the worst-hit in the past 24 hours. A landslide buried the home of Virender Kumar, 35, in Junga tehsil, killing him and his 10-year-old daughter along with their livestock. In Kotkhai’s Chol village, an elderly woman, Kalavati, died when her house collapsed.In Rohru subdivision, four families were evacuated after another landslide endangered three homes. Two cowsheds were buried, trapping livestock. Officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert as heavy rain is forecast to continue.Roads cut offMore than 600 roads, including four national highways, remain blocked due to landslides and flash floods, cutting access to several remote areas. Among the major affected routes are the Chandigarh–Manali highway, the Manali–Atal Tunnel road, NH-305 and the Bhuntar–Manikaran road.Some one-way diversions have been arranged to ease congestion. But disruptions have badly hit farmers in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti, where the apple harvest is under way.“The market has crashed as traders are reluctant to buy apples due to blocked roads,” said Sunil Sharma, an apple grower from Kullu. “If highways are not reopened soon, farmers will face huge losses.”Pilgrimage disruptedThe Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district has also been severely affected. Sixteen devotees died in landslides and weather-related incidents along the route, forcing the cancellation of the traditional royal bath. Rituals were instead held in 84 local temples.Thousands of pilgrims were escorted to safety by disaster response teams, police and volunteers. “Our teams have reached every affected area. The safety and assistance of devotees is our top priority,” said Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal.Rainfall surgeThe state received 440.8mm of rainfall in August, 72% above the seasonal average. Una district recorded the heaviest rainfall at 823.6mm, followed by Kangra (816.2mm) and Mandi (681.5mm).The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued red and orange alerts for 1 and 2 September.Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who postponed a planned visit to Kullu due to the weather, has directed officials to step up relief and rescue efforts. Schools across several districts, including Kullu, Kangra and Shimla, will remain closed for two days.