At least 17 houses collapsed due to heavy rains in Irshalgarh in Khalapur tehsil of Raigad district, Maharashtra, late on Wednesday night. More than 100 people are feared buried under the debris. So far, five bodies have been recovered. The dead include four villagers and a rescue team worker.
By Thursday morning 65 people were pulled out of the debris. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team reached the spot this morning. Mud in the area has posed problems for the rescue team.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reached the spot and is taking information about the incident from the officials. Guardian Minister Uday Samant, who was present on the occasion, said that part of the hill had fallen on Irshalgarh village on Wednesday night. A total of 17 houses in the village were completely buried under the debris. In this late-night incident, the relief and rescue work becomes difficult but has been going on here since this morning. Helicopters may be pressed into action for the relief work.
According to information, 163 mm of rain was recorded in Raigad district on Wednesday. Due to heavy rains between 11.30 a.m. and 12 a.m. in Irshalgarh village, a part of the hill collapsed and fell on the houses of the village. At that time, the villagers were fast asleep. But some children were playing on mobiles at some distance from the village. These children informed the administration about the incident. This village is 6 kilometres away from Morbe Reservoir. Many people in the village have gone to other places in connection with work.