In a tragic incident, a devastating landslide struck the remote mountain hamlet of Irshalwadi, located in the western state of Maharashtra, India. The catastrophe occurred in the middle of the night after incessant rain soaked the mountain slope, causing it to collapse. At least 10 villagers lost their lives, and there are grave concerns for over 100 others who are feared trapped beneath the debris. The disaster has brought to light the dangerous effects of extreme weather conditions and has raised new fears about the escalating pace of climate change.
Rescue workers, despite facing difficult terrain and challenging weather, have been tirelessly working to locate and save the trapped individuals. The hamlet, situated about 60 kilometers from the bustling city of Mumbai, was home to an estimated 225 people, as revealed by Devendra Fadnavis, the state's deputy chief minister. Of those residents, more than 100 were unaccounted for after the landslide.
The rescue operation has proved to be a grueling task, with workers having to trek for nearly two hours to reach the landslide site, often accompanied by sniffer dogs to assist in locating survivors. Heavy rain, fog, and falling boulders have added to the challenges, making it difficult for heavy machinery to be brought in swiftly. The National Disaster Response Force has had to remove debris manually, a process that is expected to take considerable time.
This unfortunate incident is not the first of its kind in the region. In 2021, a landslide in a nearby village claimed the lives of over 80 people, highlighting the vulnerability of the area to such natural disasters.
The weather department reported that some parts of the district, known for its historical forts and trekking trails, experienced an astounding 400 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, further exacerbating the already precarious situation. Although more rain was anticipated, the intensity was expected to be less severe. Nonetheless, a red alert was issued for the coast of Maharashtra and Gujarat state to the north, which has also been battered by heavy rain in recent days.
The impact of the ongoing monsoon season has been severe across India. Flash floods, landslides, and accidents caused by heavy rain have resulted in the loss of over 100 lives, with the northern regions experiencing 41% more rain than the seasonal average, according to the India Meteorological Department. Major cities, including New Delhi, have faced flooding, with iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal witnessing the rising waters of the Yamuna River for the first time in 45 years.
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