At least 16 people lost their lives and several were injured in a devastating landslide that struck the Irshalwadi village in Maharashtra’s Raigad district. The incident occurred due to heavy rainfall in the area. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was immediately deployed to carry out search and rescue operations. Unfortunately, the operation had to be halted temporarily due to the ongoing rain.
Inspector 5BN NDRF Rahul Kumar Raghuwansh mentioned that three different types of searches were being conducted to locate and rescue the victims. These included canine searches, physical searches, and a challenging trek through the affected area. Four teams from the NDRF were mobilized as soon as they received the information about the landslide.
Yesterday, the death toll stood at 13, including one rescuer who died of cardiac arrest while participating in the rescue efforts. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the site to assess the situation and oversee the relief and rescue operations. He also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased.
The Raigad Police have set up a control room to coordinate the rescue operations and have managed to rescue 22 people so far. However, there are fears that many others could still be trapped under the debris. Approximately 100 personnel from the police, district administration, NDRF, locals, and NGOs are involved in the rescue operation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Shinde to offer support and assistance. Four NDRF teams have been deployed for the rescue operation.
The tragic incident in Maharashtra highlights the devastating impact of heavy rainfall and landslides during the monsoon season. Such natural disasters pose a significant threat to life and property in vulnerable areas. Adequate preventive measures, preparedness, and efficient rescue operations are crucial to minimizing the loss of life and providing timely assistance to those affected.
Authorities and disaster management agencies need to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in high-risk areas. This includes implementing effective early warning systems, improving infrastructure, and conducting awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks and necessary precautions during such situations.
It is essential for the affected communities to receive support and assistance from both government agencies and civil society organizations to help them recover from their losses and rebuild their lives.
