Five people died after a landslide triggered by heavy rains levelled a tribal village in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Wednesday night. The incident occurred in the tribal village of Irsalvadi near Morbe Dam in Raigad, over 60 kms from Mumbai.
The death toll may rise as over 100 are feared trapped under the remains of houses. The village has around 40-42 homes and a population of over 230 people. A large number of cattle are also under the debris.
"Several people are still feared trapped. Presently over 100 officials of Police and District administration are involved in rescue operations. We are getting help from NDRF, locals and some NGOs," Raigad Police told ANI.
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde arrives at the site of the landslide along with ministers Uday Samant and Dada Bhuse.
Meanwhile, Maharastra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that around 75 people have been evacuated so far. "The incident of landslide occurred at Irshalgad near Khalapur in Raigad district last night. Some people died in this incident, we share the grief of their families. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him. I have been in touch with the local administration since last night after learning about this incident. 2 teams of NDRF have reached the spot immediately and two more teams are reaching soon. Heavy rains and darkness initially hampered the relief effort, but it is now picking up speed. According to preliminary information, total 48 families are here. Around 75 people have been evacuated and 5 people have died so far," his tweet read.
Fadnavis added that the state government will provide all possible help to the heirs of the deceased. The entire cost of treatment of the injured will be borne by the state government. We are constantly monitoring the situation and rescue operations, said the BJP leader.
Raigad witnessed heavy downpour on Wednesday causing several rivers in the Konkan region to swell and trigger flood-like situations. Following this, authorities relocated people in a few towns and villages to safer areas, said officials.
The IMD had issued an orange alert for Raigad.
(To be updated)