Tragedy struck the mountain hamlet of Irshalwadi in the western state of Maharashtra last Thursday, as a devastating landslide claimed the lives of at least 27 people and left more than 50 others missing. Indian rescuers have now made the difficult decision to call off the search for survivors, signalling the grim reality of the situation.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) took on the challenging task of conducting search and rescue operations in the aftermath of the landslide. Despite their relentless efforts, they were unable to locate any more survivors, leading them to conclude the search and officially close the operation.

S.B. Singh, a representative from the NDRF, confirmed this decision to Reuters on Sunday. He expressed the sorrowful reality that the rescue efforts yielded no further positive outcomes, leaving families of the missing individuals in anguish and despair.

The landslide struck the village of Irshalwadi, situated approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Mumbai, the bustling metropolis. The disaster resulted in the flattening of several houses in the village, causing immense devastation. Prior to the landslide, it is estimated that Irshalwadi was home to at least 225 people, of whom more than 80 managed to escape the catastrophe.