Two people died in a landslide in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar; six are feared trapped under the debris.
Mumbai: A landslide in the Ghatkopar area of Mumbai early Wednesday morning, amidst heavy rainfall, caused panic. A portion of a hill near Rathod Medical in the Chirag Nagar area gave way, sending a massive amount of debris crashing down onto the Gausia Chawl located below. At least two people have reportedly died in the incident, while around six others are feared trapped under the debris. Chaos ensued in the area following the incident, and a large number of relief and rescue teams rushed to the site.
The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) received information about the landslide around 3:48 AM on Wednesday, August 12. Fire and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. Observing the gravity of the situation, a large-scale rescue operation was launched using specialized rescue equipment.
Debris fell on Gausia Chawl
Reports indicate that the landslide occurred near Rathod Medical in the Chirag Nagar area. Debris sliding from the hill fell onto the Gausia Chawl situated below. The sudden collapse of a massive volume of debris left the residents with no time to react. Several houses and the surrounding area were affected by the debris.
Panic spread among the locals following the incident. Residents rushed out of their homes due to the event occurring in the early hours. People immediately alerted relief and rescue teams. Some locals also began efforts to locate and extricate those trapped in the debris during the initial stages.
Six people feared trapped
According to preliminary information, at least two people have died in the accident, while approximately six others are feared trapped under the debris. However, as the rescue operation is ongoing, the exact number of people trapped can only be confirmed once the operation concludes.
Rescue teams are working to clear the debris with extreme caution. Specialized equipment is being used to search for people amidst the heavy debris. Rescuers are taking care to ensure that no potential survivors are harmed while clearing the rubble.
BMC and NDRF teams on-site
Given the gravity of the incident, around 50 BMC personnel and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) troops are engaged in relief and rescue operations. Fire department personnel and other disaster relief workers are also present at the scene.
Rescue teams have secured the site and begun removing layers of debris. Efforts are underway to locate people trapped within the rubble using specialized rescue equipment. The rescue team is continuously assessing the situation, and additional resources are being deployed as needed.
Panic among locals
An atmosphere of grief and panic prevails in Gausia Chawl and surrounding areas following the landslide. Images from the scene show people being transported to hospitals by ambulance. Many locals were seen weeping, overwhelmed by the severity of the accident.
It was a terrifying morning for the local residents. People were startled by the sudden sound of falling debris. Some immediately began searching for their relatives and neighbors. A large crowd remained gathered near the site throughout the rescue operation.
Increased risk due to incessant rain
Heavy monsoon rains in Mumbai heighten the risk of waterlogging and landslides in many areas. The Ghatkopar incident also occurred amidst rainfall. Continuous rain weakens the soil and rocks in hilly areas, increasing the likelihood of landslides.
Consequently, the administration steps up monitoring in vulnerable areas. Following the Ghatkopar incident, vigilance regarding the safety of surrounding areas is likely to be increased. Authorities may also assess whether there is a risk of further landslides in nearby locations. Relief and Rescue Operations Underway
The top priority right now is to safely rescue those trapped in the debris. NDRF and BMC teams are conducting continuous operations, carefully clearing the rubble with the help of specialized equipment.
Ambulances and medical support have been stationed at the site to ensure immediate treatment for anyone rescued from the debris. The administration is closely monitoring the situation at the scene.
This incident has once again raised concerns regarding safety measures during the monsoon in Mumbai’s vulnerable and hilly areas. The risk of landslides during heavy rainfall is particularly severe in regions where populations reside on or near hilly slopes.
Relief and rescue operations are currently underway in the Chirag Nagar area of Ghatkopar. Amidst reports of two fatalities, fears that approximately six people remain trapped under the debris have heightened anxiety. Rescue teams are now striving to locate and safely extract those trapped as quickly as possible. This is an incredibly difficult time for the families affected by the tragedy, and the entire area is watching the ongoing rescue operation closely.