Raigad landslide: 57 bodies under rubble but rescue called off

NDRF personnel at work at the site

After four challenging days of rescue attempts at Irsalwadi village in Raigad, the state government made the difficult decision of calling off the operation on Sunday, with 57 bodies still trapped under the rubble. The village continues to emit a foul smell, and the rescue teams have also had to contend with heavy rain and other compelling obstacles through their mission.

Despite this, the dedicated officials managed to recover 27 bodies from the debris and rescue around 143 people following the devastating landslide that struck the village on Wednesday night.

"After careful deliberation by the District Administration and senior officials, the rescue operation has now officially concluded," stated the NDRF. Sources within the NDRF have revealed that the operation presented significant challenges due to the advanced decomposition of the bodies, resulting in the emission of a foul smell. Additionally, there were concerns that the health of the officials engaged in the operation could be at risk, further complicating the already difficult task at hand.

NDRF personnel at work on the site on Saturday. Pic/PTI

"The rescue and relief operations at the site of the devastating Irsalwadi landslide, which commenced four days ago, have reached their conclusion," said Uday Samant, guardian minister of Raigad.

Samant briefed the media at Raigad and said, "As of now, the rescuers have managed to extricate 27 bodies from the debris, while a commendable total of 143 individuals have been rescued. Tragically, among those rescued, two people have lost all their family members to the disaster."

Authorities are now taking the necessary steps to provide shelter and support to the survivors. "They will be relocated to temporary housing provided by the government, as their homes have been destroyed in the calamity. In light of the situation and to respect the grieving families, the rescue operations will cease today and we are requesting the public to place their trust in this decision, as it is in the best interest of everyone's safety," Samant added further.

He also assured that looking ahead, measures will be taken to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again in the region. Plans are underway to rehabilitate and relocate the residents of five vulnerable villages, ensuring their safety in the future. A comprehensive survey of 20 villages in Maharashtra will also be conducted to assess and mitigate potential risks. Moreover, the government aims to provide permanent housing for those affected by the landslide in the coming year. The Shrikant Shinde Foundation has stepped forward to take responsibility of the welfare of the 22 children orphaned by this calamity.

27
No. of bodies found at the landslide site