MAHARASHTRA: The quiet village of Irshalwadi in Maharashtra’s Raigad district was struck by a colossal landslide, claiming the lives of sixteen and leaving over a hundred more still entrapped beneath the unforgiving debris. The disaster struck on Wednesday night, enveloping the village in a relentless torrent of destruction that flattened numerous homes, and since then, rescue efforts have been doggedly underway despite treacherous conditions.
Regrettably, the unforgiving forces of nature were compounded by the relentless fury of heavy rains, which only intensified the misery for both the victims and the rescuers. As a result, rescue operations had to be momentarily halted on Thursday night due to the incessant downpour, but they have since been reinstated, reflecting the unwavering determination of the teams involved, according to the BBC.
Nevertheless, the location of the disaster site atop a formidable hilltop has posed significant challenges for the rescue teams. The difficult terrain has impeded swift and efficient rescue operations, rendering them an arduous and painstaking task. As we await more hopeful news from the disaster-stricken village, the Maharashtra government has confirmed that an alarming number of 109 individuals remain trapped under the wreckage, amplifying the urgency and gravity of the situation.
Extreme weather in Indian states
Tragically, this calamity has emerged amidst a series of severe weather events across several Indian states. The relentless monsoon rains, which have persisted for the past fortnight, have triggered floods and landslides, leaving devastation in their wake. The Indian weather department warns that the deluge is far from over, and further heavy rainfall is anticipated in the coming days, putting regions like Maharashtra, particularly Raigad district, at continued risk.
For the village of Irshalwadi, the landslide hit without warning, afflicting a remote community nestled on the hill’s gentle slope. Among the area’s fifty houses, approximately seventeen have suffered considerable damage, compounding the misery of those who have lost loved ones and homes. Eyewitnesses recalled the harrowing moment when the ground beneath them shook violently at around 10:30 PM local time (17:00 GMT), prompting a frenzied scramble to escape impending doom.
A survivor, who mourns the loss of several family members, recounted the terrifying experience, stating, the ground shook suddenly and we ran out of our houses. The profound shock of the unprecedented disaster resonated with others too, with another resident expressing disbelief, It [a landslide] has never happened before here. I never thought the mountain would collapse; that’s why people lived there. The search for missing family members continues as the community grapples with the enormity of the tragedy.
To provide refuge and assistance to those displaced and rescued, relief camps have been swiftly established at the base of the hill. The camp has already seen about 98 people find safety and solace, but for those still awaiting news of their missing loved ones, the hours seem agonizingly long.
