23 Jul 2023 | 01:58 PM UTC
India: Response operations ongoing following landslide in Raigad District, Maharashtra State, as of July 23 /update 1
Response operations ongoing following landslide in Raigad District, Maharashtra State, India, as of July 23. Casualties reported.
Event
Response operations are ongoing following a landslide in Raigad District, Maharashtra State, as of July 23. The landslide occurred in the settlement of Irshalwadi late July 19 following heavy rainfall in the region. Much of the village has been affected by the landslide. As of July 23, authorities have reported at least 37 fatalities, 21 people injured, and 78 still missing; the casualty figures from the incident are likely to rise in the coming days. The landslide destroyed at least 17 homes. The remote and hilly nature of the area, as well as the continued adverse weather, are hampering ongoing response operations.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast further adverse weather across the region over the coming days. Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) have been issued across Raigad District July 20-24. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional landslides and flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
