A devastating landslide caused by relentless heavy rains in India’s western state of Maharashtra has resulted in the loss of at least 16 lives, with several others feared trapped under mounds of debris, as rescue efforts intensify. Deputy Prime Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that approximately 80 people have been rescued so far, but the fate of many more remains uncertain.
The tragic incident unfolded late Wednesday night in Irshalwadi, a mountain village in Raigad, where a landslide buried 17 out of 50 houses. With an estimated 225 people living in the village, rescue teams are facing immense challenges as they navigate harsh weather conditions to locate and save those still trapped beneath the rubble.
A team of 60 rescuers and trained trekkers has been deployed to aid in the rescue operations. However, incessant rains have hampered progress, making it difficult for the rescuers to reach the affected areas swiftly. In response to the disaster, medical teams have been dispatched to offer immediate assistance to the injured.
State Chief Minister Eknath Shinde arrived at the site on Thursday, emphasising that the topmost priority is to rescue the individuals who are still trapped in the debris. The landslide-stricken region, approximately 60 km (37 miles) away from the state capital, Mumbai, has experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, with some areas receiving as much as 400mm.
Tragically, this is not the first time such a disaster has struck the region. Just two years ago, a landslide in a nearby village claimed the lives of over 80 people, underscoring the vulnerability of the area to the impacts of heavy rainfall and unstable terrain.
India’s weather department has issued alerts for the states of Maharashtra and neighbouring Gujarat due to the incessant rains lashing the region this week. The downpours have caused widespread disruption, including school closures and disruptions in local train services in Mumbai. Roads have been submerged, leading to traffic jams and stranding commuters.
This series of extreme weather events, including flash floods, landslides, and accidents caused by heavy rain, has led to over 100 fatalities in India since the onset of the monsoon season on June 1. The northern regions have experienced 41 per cent more rain than usual, according to the India Meteorological Department.
The situation has raised concerns about the impact of climate change, as extreme weather events continue to wreak havoc worldwide. Additionally, iconic historical monuments, such as the Taj Mahal, have faced threats due to the unprecedented flooding of the Yamuna River.
