Shimla, Aug. 23 -- Heavy monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh have claimed 298 lives since June 20, including 152 deaths in rain-related incidents and 146 in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The SDMA's cumulative report shows that rain-related fatalities were caused by landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, fires, snake bites, electrocution, and falls from steep terrain. Landslides and flash floods together accounted for 19 deaths, while drowning incidents claimed 31 lives.

Another 32 people died after falling from steep rocks or trees, and 25 deaths were recorded under 'other' causes linked to extreme weather.

Road accident deaths remained high during the monsoon, with Kang...