20-7-2023 (MUMBAI) At least five people were killed and many more were feared buried after a landslide struck the mountain village of Irshalwadi in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, following heavy rainfall. The landslide happened in the middle of the night, about 60km from Mumbai, and reports suggest that around 100 people may be trapped beneath the rubble of their homes.
Rescue workers are struggling to reach survivors due to the depth of the debris. Maharashtra’s chief minister, Eknath Shinde, stated that it was difficult to estimate the exact number of people trapped.
Heavy rains have affected much of Maharashtra, which is India’s richest state, causing flooding and road closures. More heavy showers are expected over the next 24 hours, with some districts already recording over 100mm of rainfall. Schools and colleges in Mumbai were closed on Thursday and train services were suspended on Wednesday due to the weather conditions.
A #landslide reported at the foothills of #Irshalwadi fort in Khalapur taluka of Raigad district in #Maharashtra. More than 100 people are said to be trapped under the debris. Two teams of NDRF have reached the location, around 60 km south of Mumbai, for rescue operation. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/8ai92Uyk4L
— Samrat Phadnis (@PSamratSakal) July 20, 2023
