Shimla, Aug. 17 -- Heavy rains continue to batter Himachal Pradesh, leaving widespread damage to public utilities and claiming hundreds of lives this monsoon season.

According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), as of August 17 evening, 352 roads, including three national highways, remain blocked, while 1,067 power distribution transformers (DTRs) and 116 water supply schemes are disrupted across the state.

The authority said the ongoing monsoon havoc has claimed 263 lives since June 20, of which 136 people have died in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, while 127 were killed in road accidents.

The maximum road blockages were reported from Mandi district (201 ...