All schools in Raigad district will remain closed on July 24 amid the prediction of heavy rains in the region.
District Collector Raigad, Yogesh Mhase said,” All schools to remain closed in the Raigad district today in view of the heavy rains in the region. IMD has issued Orange Alert for Raigad.” Earlier, the rescue operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team was called off on July 23 at the landslide-hit Irshalgad in Raigad, which claimed 27 lives.
“As decided by District Administration, other senior officials and as briefed by Minister Uday Samant, the rescue operations at Raigad have been called off and closed. Details of missing and the deceased can be obtained from the administration,” NDRF said.
A landslide struck the tribal village situated on a hill slope in Khalapur tehsil, Raigad district, approximately 80 km from Mumbai, around 11 p.m. on July 19.
The National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) quickly swung into action as soon as they got information about the disastrous landslide. Two NDRF teams were deployed to conduct the rescue and relief operations.
The site is close to the Morbi dam and lies in a bowl-shaped topography at the base of a mountain. It is home to hundreds of Adivasi families, and it houses hundreds of such people.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde travelled through rough mountainside valley terrain amidst rain showers and walked through thick vegetation.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that he would adopt the kids who lost both parents in the recent landslide at Irshalwadi village in the Raigad district of the State, said the Shiv Sena.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on July 20 visited the site of the tragedy and took stock of the relief and rescue efforts. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased, said officials.
The Raigad Police set up a control room after the incident. The Police said that they had rescued 22 people from the spot, but many are feared trapped in the debris.
“We will get a better idea of the situation when daylight comes. Presently over 100 people from Police and district administration are involved in the rescue operation and we are getting help from NDRF, locals and some NGOs too,” the Raigad Police said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after the incident. Amit Shah said four National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed to execute the rescue operation.
Meanwhile, on July 20, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the prevailing situation in his State in the floods and landslides caused by incessant rainfall.
“I apprised the Prime Minister of the prevailing situation following a landslide at Irshalwadi, a tribal village surrounded by the Sahyadri mountains in Raigad district,” Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said after calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
(with inputs from ANI)
