A tragic landslide struck Mumbai's Kurla neighborhood in the early hours of Wednesday, leaving at least six individuals dead and an unknown number trapped under debris. The incident occurred around 3:48 am at Gaushiya Chawl, a residential settlement in Chirag Nagar, following heavy rainfall that lashed the city on Tuesday.
Emergency services, including the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were immediately deployed to the site. Rescue personnel are working tirelessly amidst challenging conditions to locate and extricate those believed to be buried.
Casualties and Injuries Confirmed
Officials have confirmed the identities of six individuals feared dead in the disaster. They include Mohammad Samir Ansari (14), Sahil Husen Abdul Kazi (19), an unidentified person aged approximately 45, Aban Arif Shaikh (2), Manat Arif Shaikh (4), and Marjina Arif Shaikh (27).
In addition to the fatalities, two residents sustained injuries and were transported to the civic-run Bhabha Hospital in Kurla. Sohel Ansari (18) suffered a head injury, while Mohamad Ansari (14) sustained back injuries. Both are reported to be in stable condition.
Extensive Rescue Operations Underway
The landslide led to a significant accumulation of earth and rubble, burying several homes and complicating rescue efforts. Teams from various agencies are coordinating their actions to manage the large-scale search and recovery operation. The ongoing heavy rain continues to pose a challenge for the responders on site.
Mayor Visits Site, Announces Aid
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde visited Gaushiya Chawl to assess the situation and oversee the search and rescue efforts. During her visit, Mayor Tawde announced immediate financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person. Additionally, Rs 50,000 has been allocated towards the medical treatment for each injured individual. She urged all agencies involved to intensify their efforts and maintain close coordination.
Authorities are continuing to evaluate the extent of the damage and are monitoring for any further ground movement. Updates on the number of casualties and rescued individuals are expected as the operation progresses and debris is cleared.