Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 12: At least two people were killed after a landslide struck the Ashok Nagar area along Ghatkopar-Kurla Road early Wednesday morning, with several others feared trapped under the debris.
The incident occurred around 3:48 am at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, near Rathod Medical, under the jurisdiction of Ghatkopar police.
According to Mumbai Police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), two bodies have been recovered and sent to the nearest hospital. Rescue operations are underway to locate and evacuate people who may still be trapped beneath the debris.
Initial estimates of the number of people trapped varied. While some officials said three to four people were suspected to be trapped, the BMC later estimated that six to eight people could be trapped. Police officials put the number at around four to five.
A BMC official said teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, police, 108 ambulance services, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and ward staff have been deployed at the spot. Rescue personnel are clearing debris and searching for survivors while authorities assess the situation and take measures to ensure the safety of residents.
Two people whose homes were buried in the landslide were reportedly rescued and brought out safely. The injured were identified as 18-year-old Sohel Ansari and 14-year-old Mohamad Ansari. Both suffered minor injuries to their legs and were able to provide information about conditions inside the affected area.
DCP Ganesh Shinde said the landslide occurred in Ashok Nagar following heavy rain. He confirmed that two bodies had been recovered and said a large-scale rescue operation was underway, with police, BMC, NDRF and other agencies deployed at the site.
Designated Officer Gajanan Jaitapkar said notices had previously been served to several houses in the area ahead of the monsoon. Authorities are assessing the situation and deciding on further action. Residents from affected areas may be shifted to safer locations if required, he added.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the vulnerability of houses and settlements in landslide-prone areas, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Rescue operations are continuing and further details on the number of people affected are awaited.