Maharashtra landslide: 16 bodies recovered, 93 residents traced; search operation continues
Mumbai, July 21: The authorities on Friday resumed the rescue and search operation at Irshalwadi village, located in Maharashtra's Raigad district, where a devastating landslide engulfed numerous houses and led to the loss of at least 16 lives so far.
Notably, around 11 pm on Wednesday, a landslide struck Irshalwadi village situated on a hill slope under Khalapur tehsil in the coastal district of Maharashtra, approximately 80 km from Mumbai. The village, with a population of 228, was severely affected. As of now, the rescue teams have recovered 16 bodies, and they have successfully traced 93 residents.
As of now, 119 villagers remain untraced. These include those who were away from the village to attend a marriage or engage in rice plantation work, according to an official statement. Of nearly 50 houses in the village, the landslide flattened 17, the officials added.
On the second day today (Friday), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) collaborated with teams from the Raigad police and the local authorities to continue the rescue operation at the remote village.
"At least four NDRF teams reached the landslide site this morning and started the operation. Teams of the Thane Disaster Response Force, local disaster management authorities, Raigad police are also engaged in the operation," the officials were quoted as saying.
As per information, the deceased included four children in one-four age group and a 70-year-old person," said the officials.
The search and rescue teams encountered challenges at the site due to the rugged and difficult hill terrain, making it difficult to maneuver heavy equipment.
- With inputs from agencies
