Heavy rains have flooded streets and washed away houses in India. In total, at least 33 people died as a result of flooding and landslides. A temple collapsed in Shimla.
At least 33 people have died in the Indian Himalayas as a result of heavy rainfall and the resulting landslides. At least nine people were killed in a cloudburst on Sunday evening in Solan district. Twelve other bodies were pulled from rubble and mud after two landslides in Shimla, the PTI news agency reported, citing the authorities. Four more dead were reported in the Hamirpur district.
Shimla landslides destroyed a Hindu temple and nearby buildings. The rescue work continued. A search is being made for other people who may be under the rubble.
The non-stop rain has flooded and washed away streets. All schools in Himachal Pradesh have been closed and more than 700 roads blocked. The weather service expected more rain.
Many dead in July
At the weekend, the prime minister posted images of a flooded road and fallen trees in connection with the heavy rains in parts of his state, and called on people not to go near rivers and other bodies of water.
Heavy rain, triggering violent flooding and landslides, is normal during the monsoon season in South Asia. The monsoon usually lasts from June to September. The damage is often great – houses are washed away, there are always fatalities.
However, scientists warn that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Already in July there had been many deaths in northern India because of the monsoon. Himachal Pradesh was also hardest hit at the time.