The landslide incident in Raigarh, Maharashtra claimed the lives of five more people on Friday (July 21), including two women and three men. This grim discovery brings the total death toll to 21, with sixteen bodies having been recovered on the previous day, Maharashtra Assignment said. The rescue teams, facing challenging hilly terrain and rainfall in the area, are relentlessly continuing their search and rescue operations to find survivors or victims trapped under the debris.
The landslide struck Irshalwadi, a tribal village situated on a hill slope in the coastal district, approximately 80 km from Mumbai, on Wednesday night. As the situation worsens, Maharashtra faces an emergency flood threat due to continuous rains, leading to numerous homes flooding and blocking roadways. Particularly affected is Kolhapur, where severe flooding has resulted in reports of many people being stranded.
Responding to the crisis, the Maharashtra government has dispatched a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team to aid in rescue efforts and evacuate those in need. While the team has managed to save a few individuals, many still remain at risk of being trapped by the rising water levels. Road travel has become impossible under the current circumstances, making even walking a challenging task.
Severe waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall was also reported in Mumbai.
Authorities Set Up Shipping Container Shelters For Landslide-Affected Villagers
The Raigad District Administration has taken measures to provide affected villagers with temporary shelter. Shipping containers have been brought in to house 37 families who have been displaced by the disaster. These temporary shelters, according to Dnyaneshwar Khutvad, Deputy Collector of Raigad, will provide essential facilities such as water, gas connections, and electricity to assist affected families during this time.
IMD Issues Red Alert For Several Districts
The Indian Meteorological Department issued a Red Alert for several districts in Maharashtra, including Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, and Solapur, due to the persistent heavy rainfall.
The department has also issued a warning, advising residents to be cautious during this critical time. Waterlogging in various parts of the city has forced the closure of the Badlapur-Ambernath railway tracks. In addition, an Orange alert has been issued for Thane, Mumbai, and Ratnagiri, indicating the possibility of severe weather in those areas. Authorities and rescue teams are continuing their efforts to address the challenges posed by the relentless rains and flooding.