Mumbai: In the early hours of Thursday, a catastrophic landslide struck Irshalwadi village in the Khalapur tehsil of Maharashtra’s Raigad district. At least four people are feared dead and many others possibly trapped. The incident has prompted the deployment of two teams from the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) to conduct rescue and relief operations. Remarkably, amidst the tragedy, two children have been successfully rescued so far.
Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said, “Till now five bodies have been recovered from the debris in Irshalwadi village of Khalapur tehsil of Raigad district. Till now 75 people have been rescued.”
Additional NDRF teams being deployed for rescue ops
As the situation unfolds, two additional NDRF teams from Mumbai are en route to join the ongoing rescue efforts. In response to the crisis, Raigad Police has promptly established a control room. Tragically, a brave officer from the Navi Mumbai Fire Brigade, Shivram Dhumne, lost his life during the rescue operation.
VIDEO | NDRF teams at the site of landslide in Maharashtra’s Raigad district where at least 100 people are reportedly feared trapped.
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— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 20, 2023
Initial reports from district authorities indicate that a substantial contingent of around 100 officials from various departments are actively involved at the scene, working tirelessly to locate and assist those affected.
CM Eknath Shinde reaches ground zero
The incident has not gone unnoticed by the higher echelons of power, as Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde personally visited the site to supervise the rescue and relief efforts. State ministers Uday Samant and Dada Bhuse were already present at the scene when the CM arrived.
The unrelenting rainfall in the state capital, Mumbai, and neighboring districts like Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Palghar has raised concerns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of further heavy downpour expected throughout the week in several districts.
VIDEO | Four killed, many others feared trapped after several houses reportedly collapsed in Khalapur area of Maharashtra’s Raigad district due to rainfall-triggered landslide last night. CM Eknath Shinde visited the site earlier today. The NDRF is carrying out rescue operation.… pic.twitter.com/7rRjfAO6iS
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 20, 2023
Advisory released for multiple areas in Maharashtra
The regional weather authority’s latest advisory has placed ten districts in Maharashtra, including Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Pune, Satara, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, and Gondia, under an ‘Orange’ alert for today. Moreover, numerous other districts, including Mumbai, have been put on a ‘Yellow’ alert.
In response to the weather alert, the state government has proactively taken measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. Consequently, schools in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar have been declared closed for Thursday.
The situation remains critical, and the authorities, along with the combined efforts of NDRF, local communities, and NGOs, are working diligently to mitigate the impact of this calamitous event and provide aid to those in need.
