After a massive landslide buried several houses and claimed at least 22 lives so far, the search and rescue operation at Irshalwadi hamlet in Maharashtra's Raigad district, resumed on Friday morning, according to officials.
The officials previously said that the landslide occurred around 11 pm on Wednesday at the tribal village, situated on a hill slope, under Khalapur tehsil of the coastal district, around 80 km from Mumbai.
Out of the total 228 residents of the village, 22 people have died so far while 93 residents have been traced. However, a total of 119 villagers are yet to be traced.
Search and rescue operations underway
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For the second day, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with teams of Raigad police and local authorities began the operation at the remote village, the official said.
"Our four teams were carrying out the search operation yesterday as well and today we will divide the landslide-affected area into zones. With the help of local people, we will try to retrieve the body of the people. Various other agencies have joined us in this rescue operation which will help us...," says SB Singh, Commandant, 5BN, NDRF.
NDRF on Friday also deployed their canine squad for the search and rescue operation.
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The search operation began at 6.30 am, Raigad Superintendent of Police Somanth Gharge said.
"We have roped in a dog squad to assist the personnel in the search operation," an NDRF official said.
"The deceased included four children between the age group of one to four years and a 70-year-old person," he said, adding seven persons are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.
The search and rescue personnel at the site were facing hurdles due to the difficult hill terrain of the area where heavy equipment cannot be easily moved.
