More than 100 people are feared to be trapped under debris
As many as 16 people have died and more than 100 are feared to be trapped after a massive landslide hit a village in the western Indian state of Maharashtra on July 19, 2023.
The landslide also accounted for massive destruction with over 17 houses out of 50 in the area sustaining damage. The landslide hit the Irshalwadi village in Maharashtra’s Raigad district around 11 pm.
It struck the tribal village situated on a hill slope in Khalapur tehsil 80 kilometre away from Mumbai. The National disaster response teams along with the police and medical teams are currently leading the relief efforts.
Out of the 228 residents in the village, authorities have recovered the bodies of 16 individuals, and 93 residents have been successfully located. The rescue operations have been difficult due to heavy rain and the challenging terrain.
Heavy machines are finding it hard to reach the hilltop as the uphill terrain has become slippery due to the rains. According to official reports, relief camps have been set up at the bottom of the hill and about 21 people have been rescued so far.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also announced compensation of 5 Lakh rupees each to the families of those who have died.
Over the last two weeks, Heavy rains have ravaged several states in India. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in parts of Maharashtra state over the next few days, including Raigad district.
According to India Meteorological Department data, several places in the district recorded more than 200 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, with 17 out of 28 dams in Raigad overflowing.
As the heavy downpour continues, more than 2,200 people have been evacuated from Raigad to avoid further casualties.
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