The death toll from a landslide in India’s western state of Maharashtra has risen to 26, according to a disaster relief official. The incident occurred on Thursday night in the remote mountain hamlet of Irshalwadi, approximately 60 km (37 miles) from Mumbai. The landslide caused several houses to be flattened, with many people feared trapped under layers of mud and slush.
Out of an estimated 225 residents in the hamlet, more than 80 have managed to escape. However, approximately 80 people are still reported missing, according to The Times of India newspaper. Rescue efforts are underway by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) with authorities currently focusing on their technical equipment and rescue techniques.
“We cannot judge as of now how many people are still stuck,” said S.B. Singh, NDRF official. He added that four more bodies were recovered from the mud on Saturday.
News channels have shown visuals of rescue teams, wearing bright orange raincoats and carrying digging tools, making their way up the mountain to the landslide site. However, rescue operations have been impeded by continuous rainfall, limited visibility, and the difficult hilly terrain.
The landslide affected about 16-17 houses and numerous families have been relocated. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate and rescue any individuals still trapped under the debris.
Reporting by Siddhi Nayak; editing by Clelia Oziel.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
