Navi Mumbai: A series of landslides triggered by rain anger in Konkan for the past two days has claimed the score of life.
The worst is in Taliye Village in Raigad Mahad Taluka, which has so far claimed as many as 49 lives.
12 others were injured and 47 lost.
Landslides lasted around 5 pm on Thursday, but until late at night the rescue could not reach the place, as reported by TOI on the July 23 issue.
The NDRF team flown from Mumbai must return because Raigad’s government does not provide landing facilities.
The villagers said they did not receive warnings from the government.
“There is no warning of advanced disasters given to the villagers.
Our Hamlet Tribal has 45 houses with a population of more than 120.
The large stones of the hill fall from a height of 100 feet in landslides,” said Milind Gangawane, who lives in Taliye.
He estimates that 90 villagers can be trapped under debris.
However, Minister of Relief and Rehabilitation Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that the locals had shifted a few days ago.
“The villagers were shifted to a safer location by local administration 4-5 days ago but they returned to themselves after the rain,” he said.
NDRF said one of the three teams had to return from Mahad.
“The NDRF team must return to Mumbai from Mahad because the district government cannot provide a landing facility on Friday night.
The other NDRF team has reached the village of Tatiye via road.
One more team has reached the Dhamnand website (other landslides) in Khed Taluka and started operations Rescue, “said Pavan Gaur, Deputy Commander, NDRF, 5th BN, Pune.
“NDRF claims are being seen,” said Raigad District Information officer Manoj Sanap.
BJP accused the government’s authority to reach the village of Taliye.
“Opposition leaders arrived here.
But even 20 hours after the incident, there was no local official here.
Even Tehsildar.
If administration and NDRF have reached on time, more lives can be saved,” said BJP Praveen Darekar leader.
The government, in turn, accused the opposition to playing politics.
“Heavy rain and poor road conditions have had an impact on rescue operations.
Opposition should not politicize this problem,” Wadettiwar said.
(With input from Priyanka Kakodkar)