In a tragic incident, at least nine people were killed after a Shiva temple in the Summer Hill area of Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla collapsed on Monday amid heavy rain across the state.

The incident happened around 7.15 a.m. Reportedly, more than 30 people were inside the temple.

“Distressing news has emerged from Shimla, where the “Shiv Mandir” at Summer Hill collapsed as a result of the heavy rainfall. As of now, nine bodies have been retrieved. The local administration is diligently working to clear the debris in order to rescue individuals who may still be trapped. Om Shanti,” Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu posted on X at 9:57 a.m. today.

In another post on X at 2:09 pm, he further said, “Emphasizing the highest priority on life-saving efforts, the government remains unwaveringly dedicated to securing the well-being of those entrapped. My sincerest prayers are extended for the safety and recovery of all individuals impacted by this catastrophic occurrence triggered by intense rainfall.”

The Himachal Pradesh meteorological department had already issued a yellow alert in the state for Sunday and Monday and predicted rain till August 19.

While in Solan, at least seven people were killed and three others reported missing in a cloudburst in the Jadon village, according to officials.

Meanwhile, constant rainfall has resulted in multiple tragic events in the state, where the districts have once again been cut off from each other due to landslides.