Deadly Monsoon Disaster In Himachal Pradesh: Death Toll Hits 74, University Professor Among Victims

The relentless rain in Himachal Pradesh has claimed the lives of 74 individuals, with an additional body discovered amid the debris of a Shiva temple on Thursday, as reported by officials.

Among these casualties, 21 were a result of substantial landslides in Shimla, including those affecting the Summer Hill Shiva temple, Fagli, and Krishnanagar. Concerns persist for eight individuals who are potentially trapped under the temple wreckage.

P. L. Sharma, the head of the mathematics department at Himachal Pradesh University, was identified on August 16 in the landslide at Summer Hill near Shimla, according to Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, as quoted by PTI. In addition, the state emergency operation centre noted two more rain-related fatalities—one due to a fall and another from drowning—in the Chamba district, elevating the four-day death toll to 74.

Efforts continue at the Shimla landslide sites. Collaborative rescue operations involving the Indian Army, Air Force, and other personnel have successfully saved 309 individuals from flood-affected villages in Fatehpur, Kangra district, and Pong Dam in Indora. Over the past 72 hours, a total of 2,074 people have been rescued.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the regions impacted by the floods, assuring the affected communities of unwavering government support. Principal Secretary (Revenue) Onkar Chand Sharma indicated that the losses incurred during this monsoon season have exceeded 7,500 crore.