Maharashtra Raigad Landslide: Death Toll Reaches 36, CM Uddhav Thackeray Says Situation ‘Tense’

Raigad: At least 36 people have lost their lives due to landslides in Talai village. The rescue operation is underway at many places.

“I have ordered the evacuation and relocation of people who are living in areas where there is a possibility of landslide,” Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said.

NDRF and other rescue teams are facing problems reaching the flood-affected areas in Chiplun as the roads and bridges are damaged. The situation remains tense, he added.

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Over 1,000 people were rescued through various relief operations following landslides caused by heavy rain. The district’s local administration has urged people who have been stranded in their homes due to landslides to come to their rooftops so that they can be easily identified and rescued.

Addressing the serious situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said: “The accident in Maharashtra’s Raigad due to heavy rain and landslides is very sad. I have spoken to CM Uddhav Thackeray and NDRF DG SN Pradhan in this regard. NDRF teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. The Centre is extending all possible help there”.

A total of 12 local relief teams, including two from the Indian Navy, two from the Coast Guard, and three from the National Disaster Response Team (NDRF), were deployed to the affected areas.

According to the statement, the Indian navy is also carrying out relief operations by helicopter.

“The local administration is appealing stranded people to come to their rooftops so that they may be visible and can be rescued rescue through boats. The search operation is also being conducted by helicopters.,” an official statement said.

Nidhi Chaudhary, the district collector, said on Friday that at least 30 people were still trapped inside.

The landslides caused roadblocks and flooding, causing the National Disaster Response Force to delay rescue operations last night.