At least five people have died after a landslide struck a residential settlement in Mumbai’s Ashok Nagar area early Wednesday, burying houses and leaving several people feared trapped beneath the debris.
The incident occurred around 3:48 am at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, near Rathod Medical on the Ghatkopar-Kurla Road, amid heavy rainfall in the city.
Mumbai Police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that five bodies had been recovered from the site. The bodies were taken to a nearby hospital as rescue teams continued searching the debris for survivors.
Several people feared buried under debris
Authorities initially gave varying estimates of the number of people who could still be trapped.
While early information suggested that around three to five people might be buried, the BMC later estimated that six to eight people could be trapped. Rescue teams are continuing to clear the debris and search the affected structures.
The exact number of missing or trapped people is expected to become clearer once the rescue operation progresses.
Two residents rescued alive
Amid the tragedy, rescue personnel managed to pull two people out from the affected area.
The rescued residents were identified as 18-year-old Sohel Ansari and 14-year-old Mohamad Ansari. Both suffered minor injuries to their legs and were taken for medical attention.
The two reportedly told rescuers about conditions inside the affected area after their homes were buried.
Fire brigade, NDRF join rescue operation
A large multi-agency operation has been launched following the landslide.
Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, BMC ward staff, 108 ambulance services and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed at the site.
Rescue workers are using equipment to remove debris while simultaneously searching for people who may still be trapped underneath.
DCP Ganesh Shinde said heavy rainfall appeared to have triggered the landslide in the Ashok Nagar area. He confirmed that a major rescue operation was underway with multiple agencies working together.
Houses had received notices before monsoon
The incident has also raised questions about the safety of homes located in vulnerable areas.
BMC Designated Officer Gajanan Jaitapkar said notices had previously been issued to several houses in the area before the monsoon season.
Officials are now assessing the condition of the affected structures and surrounding area. Residents could be shifted to safer locations if authorities determine that remaining homes pose a risk.
Heavy rain raises fresh safety concerns
The landslide comes as Mumbai continues to experience intense monsoon rainfall, increasing the risk of landslides and structural damage in vulnerable parts of the city.
With rescue operations still underway, authorities are focusing on locating anyone who may remain trapped and securing the surrounding area.
Further information on the casualties and the number of people affected is expected as the search operation continues.
