Devendra Kumar
Rescuers in India’s western Maharashtra state have discovered five more bodies, increasing the death toll from a landslide triggered by torrential rains to at least 21, with many more feared trapped under the rubble. The landslide occurred late on Wednesday night and has hampered rescue efforts, with harsh weather conditions and the threat of further landslides in the dark forcing search operations to be suspended temporarily. Despite these challenges, rescuers have managed to rescue 75 people, with many more remaining trapped, and authorities have sent in medical teams to treat the injured.
The landslide hit Irshalwadi village in Raigad district, burying 17 of the 50 houses in the area, and the hilly terrain has made it difficult for rescuers to access the site. The village is only accessible by foot, and it takes around 90 minutes to reach the location from the base of the hill due to the lack of paved roads. India’s weather department has placed Maharashtra under alert as the state has been hit by widespread rains this week, with some areas receiving record monsoon rainfall.
The monsoon rains have caused significant disruptions across the state, including the shutdown of schools in Mumbai and disruptions to local train services. Water has been reported flowing inside stations and over tracks, and authorities have warned of the potential for further landslides and flash floods. The monsoon season, which runs between June and September, is crucial for India’s agriculture, but the rains can also cause significant damage.
Scientists have warned that the monsoons are becoming more erratic due to climate change, leading to frequent landslides and flash floods in India’s Himalayan north. The current situation is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that such events can have on communities, and authorities are working to rescue those trapped and provide aid to those affected.