At least 41 people have been killed in landslides and flooding following heavy rain including nine people who died when an Indian temple collapsed after it was hit by a raging torrent.
The Chief Minister’s office (CMO) in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh said they suspect there may well still be more bodies to be recovered from the remains of the temple in Shimla after being hit by a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on Monday, 14th August.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also shared his condolences with the families of the dead and added that emergency workers were on the scene in the Summer Hill area to see if any survivors could be found.
Sukhu along with state minister Vikramaditya Singh also visited the site of the temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.
Sukhu said: “Twenty to 25 people are trapped under debris here. I appeal to people to stay indoors, to not venture near rivers and landslide-prone areas. Restoration work will begin as soon as rain stops.”
Police were on the scene and were joined by army officials to carry out the rescue work.
It is currently the monsoon season in the state which this year has seen particularly heavy rains with severe flooding, landslides and overflowing rivers.
The state is popular all year round with tourists attracted by its core weather and picturesque scenery.
