New Delhi, India
CNN
–
Heavy rains and landslides killed more than 40 people in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, according to Indian broadcaster DD.
Among the dead were at least nine people who died when floods caused a temple to collapse in the state capital Shimla, a popular tourist spot. State Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sokho told ANI during a visit to the temple site on Monday that the accident occurred at around 8 am local time.
The bodies of the dead have been recovered and “the local administration is working hard to clear the rubble,” Sokho Posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
He added that five people had been rescued, but there were still between 20 and 25 people trapped, as rescue efforts continued.
At least 41 people died across Himachal Pradesh on Monday. India’s Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah posted on social media that the loss of life was “extremely painful”.
“[National Disaster Response Force] The teams participate in relief and rescue operations along with the local administration. He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”
Sukhu posted on X on Monday, saying, “We have directed the authorities to ensure all possible assistance and support to affected families during this difficult time.”
“I appeal to people to stay indoors, and not venture near rivers and landslide-prone areas,” he said.
Traffic police officials also urged the public to avoid travel due to the continuing heavy rains, with the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the state.
Videos and photos shared on social media show destroyed roads, downed trees, huge boulders hurling and gushing water down mountains.
Himachal Pradesh has been one of the hardest hit states this monsoon season. In July, more than 30 people died in the state after floods and landslides.
Some scientists say that the human-caused climate crisis is making India’s monsoon season more chaotic and erratic.
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