Heavy rains cause floods and landslides in India, at least 58 people killed

AFP news agency reported on August 15 that rescue work is continuing in India after heavy rains caused floods and landslides that killed at least 58 people and left many missing.

Himachal Pradesh state has recorded 50 deaths in the past 24 hours, including at least nine deaths when a Hindu temple collapsed in the state capital Shimla.

"There has never been a record of such heavy rain. In the state alone, more than 50 people have died in just 24 hours and the number could go higher as 20 people are still trapped in the rubble," Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh told local media late on August 14.

"Local authorities are actively clearing the area to rescue those trapped," Mr. Sukhu added.

Mr Sukhu also shared videos on social media showing floodwaters surging on roads, and urged people to stay indoors and avoid rivers. Schools in the state were closed, Mr Sukhu said.

Landslide due to heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh state. Photo: REUTERS

Heavy rains over several days have washed away vehicles, damaged buildings, and destroyed bridges in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

These two Himalayan states in northern India have been hit the hardest by the heavy rains. This is the second time this season that the two states have suffered such floods.

Images from Himachal Pradesh, the worst-hit state, show bodies covered in black mud being pulled from the rubble of collapsed buildings. Thousands of people are also trapped as major roads, power lines and communications networks are down.

In Uttarakhand state, according to Hindustan Times, a building of the Dehradun National Defense College in Maldevta village suddenly collapsed on the morning of August 14. Video shared on social media shows the entire building collapsing into the raging river. Rocks and soil were swept away by the water. The Dehradun National Defense College is located at the foot of the Garhwal Himalayas. Prolonged heavy rains have weakened the ground in this area.

A landslide has blocked a highway in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Several vehicles are buried. The road has been closed for safety.

According to local authorities, since the beginning of the rainy season, at least 52 people have died here, while nearly 40 people have been injured. Prolonged heavy rains have caused flash floods and landslides in some places.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu expressed "deep sorrow over the loss of lives in accidents due to heavy rains", and sent condolences to the families who suffered losses in Himachal Pradesh.

Floods and landslides cause widespread devastation during India’s monsoon season. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of such incidents, experts say.

In July, torrential monsoon rains were also responsible for the deaths of more than 90 people in India, with the capital New Delhi recording the highest water level of the Yamuna River since 1978.

Minh Hoa (reported by Dan Tri, Tuoi Tre)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/mua-lon-gay-lu-lut-va-lo-dat-o-an-do-it-nhat-58-nguoi-thiet-mang-a621766.html