Heavy monsoon rains leave 11 people dead in Mumbai, India

At least 11 people have died while seven others were injured as heavy monsoon rains hit Mumbai, India on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, authorities reported on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the city for the next four days, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall to continue.

The southwest monsoon arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday, June 9, dropping very heavy rains, flooding homes, and causing a residential building to collapse in a Mumbai slum. At least 11 people were killed, of which 8 were children, seven were injured and several more are feared missing.

"Three persons are still suspected to be trapped and the search operation is on to find them," Prabhat Rahangdale from the Mumbai city authority told the Indian Express. 

"It's an unfortunate incident. It was a G+2 building that fell on another building. Eighteen people have been rescued, of whom 11 died. Police will carry out a proper investigation and take further action," added officer Dilip Sawant.

Residents from nearby buildings have been evacuated, considering the situation to be dangerous. Of the injured, one is in critical condition, while the six others were stable and recovering.

Mumbai registered 222 mm (9 inches) of rain in a 12-hour period, while tidal waves reached up to 4.6 m (13 feet). 

Water-logging was reported in various parts of the city, disrupting travel and suburban train services. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport also witnessed a total of four aborted landings.

"Due to the inclement weather in the city, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport witnessed a total of 4 go-arounds. Operations at the airport continue as per schedule," said Mumbai Airport authorities.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had deployed 15 teams across Maharashtra state in anticipation of heavy rains.

Building collapses are common in the country during the monsoon season, which spans June to September. Heavy rains weaken the foundations of poorly built structures.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for the city until June 13 and a red alert for the district of Raigad until June 12, as heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected.

Due to the risk of landslides, 1 139 people from 20 villages have been evacuated to safer grounds.

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