At least 24 people have died in India, nine of them in a temple collapse, and dozens more are missing, after heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides, 14 August the authorities.
Several days of torrential rain destroyed bridges and buildings, washed away vehicles in the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, located in the north of the country. During the monsoon, floods and landslides are frequent and cause considerable damage. According to scientists, monsoon rains are stronger and more frequent due to climate change.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Prime Minister of the state of Himachal Pradesh, the most affected, sixteen people have died in the last twenty-four hours. Nine of them perished in the collapse of a Hindu temple in Shimla, the capital of this state.
80% of annual rainfall in monsoon
"The local administration is working to clear the debris in order to rescue people who may still be trapped," Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said in a statement. He called on residents to stay at home and avoid going near rivers. Schools in that state have been closed.
In the neighboring state of Uttarakhand, rescue teams tried to free people buried following landslides following heavy rains. At least eight people have been killed since Friday in this state, according to the authorities.
Monsoon rains account for about 80% of annual precipitation in South Asia. They are vital for river levels, replenishing groundwater and agriculture.
