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**Headline: Monsoon Havoc Continues in Himachal Pradesh; Death Toll Rises as Rain and Landslides Ravage State**

**Shimla, India** – Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with the devastating impact of the ongoing monsoon season, as heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, landslides, and floods wreak havoc across the state. The relentless weather has disrupted daily life, causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure, and claiming hundreds of lives.

According to the State Emergency Operation Center, in the past 24 hours alone, 71 homes have been damaged, adding to the already staggering toll of destruction. So far this monsoon, the state has recorded 66 landslides, 74 flood incidents, and 36 cloudbursts.

Several districts have been severely affected. In Kullu, overnight flooding damaged crops and land, with reports of cars being swept away in Pirdi and floodwaters entering the Bhuntar market. Significant damage to houses, culverts, and traditional water mills (Gharat) has been reported in the Manikaran Valley. Similar damage has been reported in the Nirmand and Banjar areas.

In Sirmaur district, the overflowing Bata and Yamuna rivers have disrupted traffic on National Highway 707 and flooded residential areas. The Shimla-Karsog road near Tattapani has partially collapsed, and the rising water level of the Sutlej River threatens the main bridge connecting Sunni and Tattapani. Water released from the Giri Jatton Dam in Sirmaur is further exacerbating the situation in low-lying areas.

Tragedy struck Bilaspur district on Sunday when lightning killed four cattle and injured a woman, who is currently receiving treatment in a local hospital.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has reviewed the situation and directed officials to provide immediate relief to affected families. As of Sunday evening, three national highways and 352 roads remained closed, with Mandi district alone accounting for 201 blocked roads.

Power and water infrastructure has also been severely impacted, with over a thousand transformers and more than a hundred water supply schemes out of service.

The latest reports indicate that this monsoon season has claimed the lives of at least 263 people, with 37 still missing and 332 injured. The highest number of deaths have been reported in Mandi (47), Kangra (41), and Chamba (31).

The monsoon has also caused substantial damage to property. Over 2,456 houses have been damaged, including 581 completely destroyed. In addition, 361 shops and 2,201 animal shelters have been lost. The total financial loss to the state is estimated at ₹2173 crore (approximately $265 million USD), with significant damage to public works and water resources infrastructure.

The state government is working to restore essential services and provide aid to those affected, but the challenges are immense as the monsoon season continues.

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