13 die due to landslide in Maharashtra, rescue underway to retrieve trapped ones

At least 13 people were killed and several people trapped in a landslide that hit Maharashtra's Raigad district early Thursday morning, affecting about 48 families.The family of those who died in the unfortunate incident will receive an ex-gratia of Rs 5 crore each, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said. 

Besides, he said that the Maharashtra government would pay for the medical treatment of the affected people.Two teams have reached the spot, the NDRF said, and a search and rescue operation has been launched. A landslide in Irshalwadi village in Khalapur tehsil of Raigad affected 48 families.

Aditya Thackeray, UBT Sena MLA, also reacted to the landslide in Raigad. He said: “The situation on the ground is heartbreaking. We tried to talk to the villagers but it is hard to get there. Rescue operations are underway. We didn't want to put more pressure on the state machinery by insisting that we drive exactly on the spot. He added that he did not want to turn the matter into politics. "I don't want to politicize the matter. We will ask questions later. But for now we will focus on rescue operations because we have to save lives first,” he said.

Police said they pulled 12 bodies from the wreckage. In addition, one paramedic died of cardiac arrest. Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister, came to review the rescue efforts.

Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister, arrived at the emergency control room to take stock of the rescue efforts underway in Raigad.

Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, condoled with the landslide victims and expressed his grief. He said: “I have been in contact with the local authority since last night after learning of this incident. Two NDRF teams reached the spot immediately and two more teams will arrive soon.”

The relief operation, he said, was initially hampered by heavy rains and darkness, but is now gaining momentum. "According to preliminary information, there are a total of 48 families here. Around 75 people were evacuated and 5 people have died so far. Measures were taken to treat the injured immediately. The State Government will provide all possible assistance to the heirs of the deceased and all the medical expenses of the injured will be borne by the State Government. We are constantly monitoring the situation and rescue operations".

Uday Samant and Dada Bhuse, two ministers from Maharashtra, traveled to Khalapur's Irshalwadi in Raigad to assess the situation.