Chawl Collapse in Malad Claims Six Lives
At least six people were killed when a part of a four-storey chawl collapsed in Mumbai's Malad area on Sunday amid heavy rainfall. The incident occurred in the early hours, with rescue teams rushing to the site to search for survivors.
Details of the Incident
The building, located in the Malad West area, was a residential chawl. The collapse happened around 2:30 am, catching many residents asleep. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), six bodies have been recovered so far, and several others are feared trapped under the debris. The structure was old and had been classified as dilapidated.
Rescue Operations Underway
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local fire brigade teams are conducting rescue operations. As of now, 15 people have been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals. BMC officials stated that the rescue work is ongoing and the priority is to clear the debris to locate any remaining trapped individuals.
Heavy Rain Wreaks Havoc
Mumbai has been experiencing heavy rainfall since Friday, leading to waterlogging and disruption in various parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the city, predicting extremely heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. The rain has been a contributing factor to the collapse, weakening the already fragile structure.
Official Statements
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed grief over the incident and announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased. He also instructed authorities to expedite rescue efforts. BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said, "We are doing everything possible to rescue those trapped. The building was in a dilapidated condition, and we had issued notices to vacate it."
Previous Warnings Ignored
Local residents claimed that the building had been showing signs of distress for months. They had complained to the BMC about cracks in the walls and leaking roofs, but no action was taken. The civic body, however, maintained that notices were served to the building owners and residents were asked to vacate, but many ignored them.
Impact and Aftermath
The collapse has raised concerns about the safety of old buildings in Mumbai, especially during the monsoon season. The city has a history of building collapses, with many structures in poor condition. The BMC has identified over 1,000 dilapidated buildings in the city, but relocation of residents remains a challenge due to lack of alternative housing.
Rescue Efforts Intensify
As rescue operations continue, the death toll may rise. The NDRF has deployed additional teams to assist in the search. The focus is on finding survivors, but heavy rain is hampering the efforts. The IMD has warned of more rain in the coming days, which could further complicate the situation.
