Himachal Pradesh: Toll in rain-related incidents rises to 78

At least 78 persons have died in rain-related incidents since the onset of monsoon in Himachal Pradesh on June 20, NDTV quoted the State Disaster Management Authority as saying on Monday.

Thirty-seven persons were missing and 115 have been injured, the news channel reported.

As of Sunday, the state has reported 23 flash floods, 19 incidents of cloud bursts and 16 landslides.

Of the total deaths, 14 were caused due to flash floods, eight by drowning, and another eight from electrocution and accidental falls. Other incidents leading to deaths included landslides, lightning strikes, snake bites and road accidents.

Mandi district was the worst affected, reporting 14 deaths and five injuries, India Today reported.

Unidentified officials told PTI that about 250 personnel from the National and State Disaster Response Forces, the Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Home Guards, along with the state administration and residents, were undertaking search and rescue operations.

Immediate relief of Rs 12.44 lakh has been provided and 1,538 ration kits have also been distributed in the affected areas in the state, the officials said. An additional amount of Rs 5 lakh each was being sent to the Thunag and Janjheli subdivisions in Mandi district, they added.

Estimated losses to public and private infrastructure due to the weather stood at about Rs 572 crore, PTI quoted the State...

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