Landslides kill 36 in India, dozens missing

India Landslides

Thirty-six people have been killed in landslides caused by monsoon rains in India, authorities said Friday.

As many as 40 other people were missing after the three separate landslides on Thursday in the Raigad district of the western state of Maharashtra.

“At least 35 to 40 people are still trapped, we are trying to rescue them,” a local official said, adding that “36 people have died after there were three landslides yesterday in the district caused by very heavy rainfall.”

The Navy and Air Force meanwhile joined rescue efforts after the heavy rains caused floods that left thousands stranded.

Rescue efforts were being hampered by landslides blocking roads, including the main highway between Mumbai and Goa.

Water levels rose to 3.5 meters (12 feet) in areas of Chiplun, a city 250 kilometers (160 miles) from Mumbai, following 24 hours of uninterrupted rain that caused the Vashishti river to overflow, submerging roads and homes.

The Indian Navy deployed seven rescue teams equipped with rubber boats, life jackets, and lifebuoys to the affected areas, along with a helicopter to airlift marooned residents. Specialist Navy divers accompanied each team.

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.