Maharashtra Landslide: Rescue Operations Begin On Third Day, 86 Still Missing

The search and rescue operation in Maharashtra's Raigad district resumed on Saturday for the third day at Irshalwadi hamlet, where a massive landslide claimed the lives of at least 22 people.

Officials have reported that 86 villagers are still missing.

On Wednesday (July 19) night, a landslide had occurred at Irshalwadi, a tribal village situated on a hill slope under Khalapur tehsil, approximately 80 km away from Mumbai. Search and Rescue operations have been launched since then.

The death toll from the landslide increased from 16 on Thursday (July 20) evening to 22 on Friday (July 21), as six more bodies were recovered.

Among the deceased were nine men, nine women, and four children. Officials have confirmed that a family of nine members was among those who perished in the disaster.

The search and rescue operation for the third day was resumed on Saturday morning by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other government agencies, according to reports.

Due to heavy rains, the search operation had to be suspended around 6 pm on Friday, as reported by an NDRF official. This morning, four NDRF teams and other agencies resumed the operation, stated the official.

In the village located on a hill slope, at least 17 out of 48 houses were fully or partially buried under the landslide debris.

According to the Raigad district disaster management office, out of 229 village residents, 22 have been reported dead, 10 were injured, 111 are safe, and 86 individuals are still missing.

During the time of the incident, some villagers had left the village to attend a wedding, while others were engaged in rice plantation work.

On Friday, six victims were recovered, consisting of three men and three women. Among the deceased are four children, ranging in age from six months to four years, as confirmed by officials.

Tragically, a three-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister were among the nine members of a single family who lost their lives in the incident, authorities have reported.

In the incident, three livestock animals perished, but fortunately, 21 animals were successfully rescued.

The journey to Irshalwadi from the base of the hill typically takes around one-and-a-half hours. Due to the absence of a proper road in the village, which is overlooked by the popular trekking destination of Irshalgad fort, earth movers and excavators cannot be easily transported.

As a result, the rescue operation is being conducted manually.

A total of 60 containers have been acquired to serve as transit camps for the survivors. According to a release from the office of the Deputy Director of Publicity, Konkan division, 40 of these containers have already arrived at the location.

Additionally, the site has prepared 20 temporary toilets and an equal number of bathrooms.

Following the landslide incident, the Maharashtra Government has made the decision to relocate residents from all areas prone to landslides in the state. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde shared this information with the State Legislative Assembly on Friday.