Shimla, Sept. 4 -- Himachal Pradesh has suffered a staggering toll of 343 lives lost since the onset of this year's monsoon on June 20, with 183 fatalities from rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and lightning strikes, and 160 deaths in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The SDMA's cumulative report up to September 3 paints a grim picture of widespread human and economic loss across all 12 districts. "The monsoon this year has caused unprecedented disruption to life and property, with thousands affected directly and indirectly," an SDMA spokesperson said.

The 183 rain-linked deaths include 24 from landslides, nine from flash floods, 17 from cloudbursts, 33 from drowning, th...