Thirty-six people have died in landslides caused by heavy monsoon downpours in western India, with dozens more feared trapped, an official said Friday.
Three landslides hit Raigad district on Thursday, a local official told AFP, as uninterrupted rain left thousands stranded in Maharashtra state, home to India’s financial capital Mumbai.
“At least 35 to 40 people are still trapped, we are trying to rescue them,” the official said.
The Indian Navy and Air Force joined rescue efforts after water levels rose to 3.5 meters in areas of Chiplun, a city 250 kilometers from Mumbai, following 24 hours of uninterrupted rain that caused the Vashishti river to overflow, submerging roads and homes.
Rescue efforts have been slowed by landslides in the neighboring district of Raigad that have blocked crucial roads including the Mumbai-Goa Highway.
The Indian Navy deployed seven rescue teams equipped with rubber boats, life jackets and life buoys to the affected areas, along with a helicopter to airlift marooned residents.
Specialist Navy divers accompanied each team with diving equipment.
India’s meteorological department has issued red alerts for several regions in the state, indicating that heavy rainfall will continue for the next few days.