20 July,2023 02:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania
The rescuers prepare for cremation of victims. Pic/Shirish Vaktania
In a tragic landslide incident that struck Irsalwadi village in Maharashtra's Raigad, there are grave concerns for the safety of around 130 people, including 41 families, who are feared to be trapped in the debris. A massive rescue operation is underway.
The recovered bodies were being cremated close to the landslide site as villagers and families of the victims began to lend their support to the rescuers.
Manisha Ghorte, a relative of a victim identified as Radhi, who tragically lost her life in the landslide incident, shared her heart-wrenching account with mid-day. She revealed that they received a distress call from villagers and immediately rushed to the hillside to check on the situation. Sadly, upon arrival, they discovered Radhi's lifeless body amidst the debris.
Manisha expressed that they have no objections to the authorities cremating Radhi's body at the site of the incident. Understandably, the family wants to pay their final respects and bid a proper farewell to their beloved relative in the place where the tragedy occurred.
The entire family, along with the villagers and rescue teams, are coming together to offer support and strength to one another during this difficult time.
The incident occurred around 10 pm on Wednesday night, and only four houses have remained unaffected by the landslide.
The Chief Minister's convoy, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local authorities, anganwadi workers, and local villagers, are tirelessly working on the site to carry out the rescue operation.
The villagers and families of the victims have been lending their support to the authorities in the rescue efforts. Despite the challenging conditions, rescue personnel are determined to find and save those who are feared to be trapped in the rubble.
The difficult terrain has been posing significant challenges to the rescue operation. The lack of proper infrastructure forces people involved in the rescue mission to walk for more than three hours to reach the affected area on the mountain.
Despite the obstacles, relief materials, including food packets, biscuits, and water, have been sent to the site to aid those involved in the rescue efforts. Major construction workers are also contributing their efforts to assist in the operation.
However, the situation remains critical as it is suspected that the trapped individuals may be buried 30 to 40 feet below the mud, making it extremely difficult to reach and rescue them. Moreover, the ongoing rain adds further hindrance to the rescue operation.
