MUMBAI – At least 23 people were killed after several homes were crushed by a collapsed wall and a landslide triggered by heavy monsoon rains in India’s financial capital here, said authorities today.
A falling tree demolished a wall in the eastern suburb of Chembur in the early hours today, burying nearby residents, reported the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the rubble, while rescuers are searching the scene for more survivors and remains.
In the suburb of Vikhroli in the city’s northeast, six people died after a landslide hit five homes early today, added NDRF.
Building collapses are common during the country’s June-September monsoon season, with old and rickety structures buckling under days of non-stop rain.
Mumbai, home to 20 million people, has been hit by downpours since yesterday, with local transport services affected.
The Indian Meteorological Department early today said “moderate to heavy rain or thundershowers” are forecast for the next two days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences, and said financial compensation will be given to victims’ families.
Last month, 12 people were killed when a building collapsed in a slum here.
In September 2020, 39 people died when a three-storey apartment block collapsed in nearby Bhiwandi. – AFP, July 18, 2021
