Heavy rain and landslides have killed at least 72 people this week in an Indian Himalayan state

By CHONCHUI NGASHANGVA and SIBI ARASU
Associated Press

NEW DELHI (AP) — Days of relentless rain in India’s Himalayan region have killed at least 72 people this week as a heavy monsoon triggered landslides and flash floods that have submerged roads, washed away buildings and left residents scrambling for safety. Rescuers in the mountainous Himachal Pradesh state have been working through challenging weather conditions to help save those trapped under mud and debris from the rains that first struck over the weekend. India’s weather department has put the state on high alert and expects the downpours to continue over the next few days. Last month, record monsoon showers killed more than 100 people over two weeks in parts of northern India, including in Himachal Pradesh, which was the worst hit.