Heavy rains flooded streets and washed away homes in India. In total, at least 58 people have died due to floods and landslides. A temple collapsed in Shimla.

At least 58 people have died in India’s Himalayan region due to heavy rains and resulting landslides. At least nine people were killed in a downpour in Solan district on Sunday evening. Fourteen more bodies were pulled out from debris and mud after two landslides in Shimla, news agency PTI reported citing authorities. According to reports, more deaths took place in Hamirpur district. The number of victims could still increase, according to the authorities.

Landslides in Shimla destroyed a Hindu temple and adjoining buildings. Rescue operations continued. Searches are underway to find other people who may be under the rubble.

The incessant rain flooded and washed away the streets. All schools in Himachal Pradesh have been closed and more than 700 roads have been closed. Meteorological services expected further rain.

Many deaths in July

This weekend, the head of government published photos of a flooded road and fallen trees linked to heavy rains in parts of his state and called on the population not to approach rivers and other water places.

Heavy rains, causing severe flooding and landslides, are normal during the monsoon season in South Asia. The monsoon generally lasts from June to September. The damage is often considerable: houses are swept away by water and there are always deaths.

However, scientists warn that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Many deaths have already been recorded in July in northern India due to the monsoon. Himachal Pradesh was also the worst affected country at the time.