Shimla, Sept. 2 -- The monsoon death toll in Himachal Pradesh has risen to 259, while damage to public and private property has crossed Rs 1,200 crore during the 64 days from June 30 to September 1, according to data released by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC).

Of the 259 fatalities, 106 were caused by rain- and disaster-related incidents, including 18 deaths in landslides and 13 due to drowning. Road accidents accounted for another 153 deaths during the period.

Lahaul and Spiti, a high-altitude tribal district, reported 15 deaths linked to the monsoon-related disasters.

The cumulative damage to public and private property has been estimated at Rs 1,202.64 crore. The Public Works Department (PWD) suffered the highest losse...