A tragedy in Pune was compounded when a huge heap of waste collapsed on a residential building in heavy rains, leaving at least 16 people feared buried under the mess.
Monsoon rains came down too hard on the garbage dump and weakened the stability of the garbage dump, causing a sudden landslide of waste and mud that overwhelmed it and caused part of the structure to collapse onto the ground.
The building was located close to a waste disposal site where garbage and rain-soaked soil gave way after hours of continuous downpour, local officials said.
The collapse of the waste mound severely damaged the building and trapped the residents inside as parts of the structure fell apart.
Emergency response teams, including firefighting agencies, police, disaster management, and rescue agencies, arrived at the scene immediately after getting emergency calls.
Heavy machinery such as excavators and earthmovers were used to move the debris away from the building while rescue teams searched for any survivors from the collapsed building.
The rescue operation is still challenging because the ground is unstable, torrential rains are still occurring, and more debris from the waste mound is still in place, officials said.
Teams are working hard to prevent the victims and rescue personnel from collapsing again and to keep them safe.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud rumbling noise just before the garbage hill gave way.
The building was choked with dust, mud, and waste, and residents ran out to the street to escape as the debris enveloped them.
Some other houses were evacuated as a precaution against more landslides.
There is no official count of casualties or injuries so far, but several people have been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
More than 25 people are believed to be buried under the rubble, and every hour is critical to the rescue operation.
It has also raised concerns once again over the safety of residential areas near waste dump sites.
Garbage mounds not properly cared for during the monsoon season can become unstable, with rainwater weakening the compacted waste, urban planners and environmentalists have warned.
The city government is investigating the cause of the collapse. Officials will examine safety measures, whether the waste mound exceeded acceptable limits, and whether preventive measures were taken prior to the monsoon.
Heavy rainfall has been affecting many parts of Maharashtra in recent days, leading to flooding, waterlogging, and landslides.
The search for survivors will continue through the night. Residents are advised to stay away from the affected area and cooperate with emergency officials.
Details regarding the number of rescued individuals, casualties, and the cause of the collapse will be provided once the rescue efforts are completed and officials have made a preliminary assessment.
