NEW DELHI, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 303 people died in cloudbursts, landslides, flash floods, and other rain-related incidents during the ongoing monsoon season in India's northern hilly state Himachal Pradesh, said the state's disaster management authority in a statement on Sunday.
According to the statement, since June 20, at least 155 people have died due to rain-related incidents while 148 casualties occurred in road accidents amid heavy rains.
During the past two months, the monsoon season caused widespread destruction across Himachal Pradesh, the statement said, adding that the most affected districts were Mandi and Kangra.
The disaster management authority estimated that the total loss was around 27.43 billion Indian Rupees (nearly 314 million U.S. dollars), which included extensive damage to public infrastructure and agricultural losses.
It advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated with official advisories as monsoon conditions persisted.
