At least 24 killed in India after heavy rains

According to officials, intense rains in India have led to floods and landslides, causing the death of 24 people. Nine individuals lost their lives in a temple collapse, while dozens more are feared missing.

The northern states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have witnessed days of torrential downpours, which have resulted in the destruction of vehicles, buildings, and bridges.

Flooding and landslides are frequent occurrences during India’s monsoon season, but experts believe that climate change is contributing to their increasing frequency and severity.

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the chief minister of the worst-affected state Himachal Pradesh, reported that 16 people, including nine in a Hindu temple collapse in the capital Shimla, lost their lives in the past 24 hours.

“The local administration is working diligently to clear the debris and rescue individuals who may still be trapped,” stated the chief minister.

Disturbing images from affected areas show bodies being recovered from piles of earth that have damaged buildings and roofs.

With roads, power lines, and communication networks disrupted, thousands of people are stranded.

Railway lines can be seen hanging in midair, as the ground beneath them has been washed away.

‘Disturbing’

Sukhu, who shared a “disturbing” video on social media showing roads being engulfed by raging torrents, urged residents to stay indoors and avoid rivers.

Schools in the state have been closed as a precautionary measure, he added.

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, expressed her sadness over the loss of lives due to heavy rains and extended her condolences to the affected families in Himachal Pradesh.

In Uttarakhand state, nearby rescue teams are working to clear debris after landslides caused by heavy rainfall led to fears of people being buried.

In a resort near Rishikesh, a popular yoga retreat along the Ganges river, five individuals were buried under debris following a landslide.

A girl has been rescued from the site, but the rest of her family remains trapped under the collapsed building, according to district police superintendent Shweta Choubey.

In total, at least eight people have died in the state since Friday, according to officials.

Several towns and villages along riversides in both northern states are at risk of flash floods due to the predicted heavy rainfall in the region.

The monsoon season provides around 80 percent of South Asia’s annual rainfall, which is crucial for agriculture and the livelihoods of millions. However, it also brings destruction in the form of landslides and floods every year.

Last month, relentless monsoon rains claimed the lives of at least 90 people, while the Yamuna river in New Delhi, which runs through the city, reached its highest levels since 1978.

© 2023 AFP