Monsoon Fury in Himachal: 196 Dead, Rs 944 Crore Loss, Bridge Washed Away in Bharmour Flash Flood Incessant monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh, claiming 196 lives and causing widespread damage estimated at over Rs 944 crore. The meteorological department has warned that wet weather conditions will persist until August 21. The picturesque hill state of Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the severe onslaught of the monsoon season, as relentless rains, major landslides, and fatal road accidents push the death toll higher. Natural calamities and road accidents across the state have collectively claimed 196 lives so far, with 80 people losing their lives to natural disasters and 116 succumbing to road mishaps. According to the state disaster management authority's report released by 6 PM on Monday, a total of 299 individuals have sustained injuries, while one person remains officially missing. Showers continued to lash Shimla on Tuesday morning. Heavy Rainfall Recorded in Manali and Dharamshala The meteorological center in Shimla issued a comprehensive bulletin at 10 AM on Tuesday, detailing the precipitation recorded over the preceding 12 hours. Kothi in Manali registered the highest rainfall at 71 mm during this period. Other notable recordings include Dharamshala at 52.2 mm, Kasauli at 52.0 mm, Kahu at 47.4 mm, Nahan at 46.4 mm, and Jot in Chamba district at 42.4 mm, signaling widespread wet spells across the region. Flash Flood in Bharmour Strands Pilgrims A severe cloudburst and subsequent flash flood struck village 84 Chala in Baloth gram panchayat of Bharmour, Chamba district, on Monday following torrential downpours. The raging waters washed away an iron footbridge constructed for pilgrims and heavily damaged the walking track, trapping nearly 40 to 50 devotees who were en route to pay their respects at the Mata Bhagwati Khundi Wali temple. Responding promptly to the crisis, former pradhan Pawan Sharma rushed to the site alongside local residents. Villagers successfully engineered a temporary wooden bridge to guide the stranded pilgrims safely across to the other side. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported from the incident. Pilgrims are currently undertaking arduous walking journeys spanning 35 to 40 kilometers to reach the shrine, making the damaged routes a matter of grave security concern. Local inhabitants have urgently appealed to the administration to restore the broken bridge and pathways without delay. Staggering Financial Losses and Disrupted Infrastructure Data compiled by the revenue department indicates that heavy rainfall, landslides, and allied natural disasters have inflicted losses exceeding Rs 944 crore on the state infrastructure. The public works department alone has borne the brunt with damages surpassing Rs 744 crore, while the water Jal Shakti department has suffered losses exceeding Rs 227 crore. Transportation networks remain severely constrained throughout the state, with a total of 87 roads currently closed to vehicular movement. Kullu district accounts for the highest disruption with 33 closed roads, followed closely by Mandi with 27 blocked routes. Furthermore, four electricity transformers and eight water supply schemes have suffered operational disruptions. Extensive Damage to Homes and Livestock Residential properties have faced extensive destruction under the weight of continuous downpours. Official figures confirm that 32 permanent structures and 53 mud houses have been completely flattened. Additionally, 116 permanent dwellings and 196 Kutcha houses have sustained partial damage, alongside 14 shops that have collapsed entirely. The agricultural and livestock sector has not been spared, with 425 livestock and birds reported dead, while 270 animal sheds have been completely razed to the ground. Wet Spell to Continue Until August 21 In light of these developments, the Meteorological Centre Shimla has predicted that wet weather conditions will persist across Himachal Pradesh through August 21. Light to moderate rainfall is expected across several parts of the state between August 18 and August 22, accompanied by heavy downpours in isolated pockets. The department issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places on August 18, followed by heavy rain alerts on August 19. Subsequent heavy precipitation is anticipated in scattered areas on August 20 and 21, with light to moderate showers projected for August 23. Specific districts marked for heavy rainfall on August 18 include Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur, alongside alerts for Una, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, and Solan. August 19 brings similar heavy rain warnings for Bilaspur, Kangra, Chamba, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur. Gusty winds ranging between 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, accompanied by thunder and lightning, are forecast for low and mid-hills across the state through August 21. Similar wind speeds are expected in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti during this period. The meteorological department has highlighted significant risks of landslides, debris flows, and flash floods during ongoing heavy spells. Water levels in rivers, streams, and local water bodies are likely to swell, increasing the potential for waterlogging in low-lying areas, slippery road conditions, and reduced visibility affecting transport networks. Agricultural and horticultural activities are also expected to sustain local damages. Advisories have been issued urging the public to avoid traversing landslide and flash flood-prone zones and to maintain a safe distance from swollen rivers and rivulets. Vehicle operators have been advised to exercise extreme caution while navigating roadways and to strictly adhere to official traffic advisories. What this means for you • Across India: Travelers and tourists planning trips to hilly terrains should exercise caution, avoid non-essential travel during heavy downpours, and monitor local weather advisories. • In Himachal Pradesh: Residents and commuters in vulnerable districts must stay away from landslide-prone zones and swollen water bodies while strictly adhering to administrative travel guidelines. Questions & Answers 1. What is the total death toll due to the monsoon in Himachal Pradesh? A total of 196 people have lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh due to natural disasters and road accidents. 2. How much financial loss has the state incurred due to natural calamities? According to the revenue department, heavy rains and landslides have caused financial losses exceeding Rs 944 crore to the state. 3. How did locals assist stranded devotees during the flash flood in Bharmour? Locals promptly constructed a temporary wooden bridge and successfully guided 40 to 50 stranded pilgrims safely across to the other side. 4. Until when is the wet weather spell expected to continue in Himachal Pradesh? According to the Meteorological Centre Shimla, the rainy weather conditions are predicted to persist across Himachal Pradesh until August 21. 5. How many roads are currently closed for vehicular traffic across the state? A total of 87 roads remain closed for vehicular movement throughout the state due to ongoing heavy rains and landslides. https://trendkia.com/en/himachal-pradesh/monsoon-fury-in-himachal-196-dead-rs-944-crore-loss-bridge-washed-away-in-bharmour-flash-flood-17946 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.