Nine children were killed when a wall collapsed at a Hindu temple in India on Sunday morning.

The youngsters aged between 10 and 15 were making religious decorations alongside the 50-year-old structure at the building in the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh.

But the wall is believed to have been weakened and rendered unstable by recent wind and rain that has lashed large parts of the country.

Police said at least nine children were killed and two others injured when the wall fell on top of them.

Rescue work after the incident was carried out by police with the help of local residents, who brought an earthmover excavator to remove the rubble.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said: 'I hope those injured recover soon. My condolences are with families who lost their children. The government will provide each family with compensation.'

Virendra Singh Rawat, the Sagar Divisional Commissioner, said the accident happened during a religious program.

Regional official Deepak Arya said the incident site has now been cleared of all debris.

He added: 'This incident occurred around 8:30 am when the wall collapsed on the children

'Of the eleven youngsters, nine passed away, while the remaining two are receiving care at the district hospital.'

Local media reported that around 200 people have died in accidents caused by rain in the state this year. Thousands of homes have been destroyed or severely damaged.