A residential building has collapsed in the Malad area of Mumbai, killing at least 11 people. Rescue efforts are underway as more people are feared trapped in the debris.
Mumbai has been put on high alert because heavy rains are causing water logging in several areas.
An investigation has been ordered but a minister said the heavy rains could have caused the collapse on Wednesday night. Officials said they have evacuated other dilapidated buildings in the area as heavy rains are likely to continue in the coming days.
Police pulled out 18 people from the debris but only seven of them survived. “Police will carry out a proper investigation and take further action,” said senior officer Dilip Sawant.
“The incident took place around 10:15 pm. I came out after two persons asked us to leave the building. As I was rushing out, I saw three buildings, including a dairy, were demolished near our building,” said a local resident.
“Buildings have collapsed due to rain. Rescue operation is underway. Injured people have been shifted to the hospital. Debris of the buildings is being removed to see if more people are stuck under it,” said Maharashtra state minister, Aslam Shaikh.
Smaller incidents such as wall collapses have been reported from other parts of the city, but there have been no reports of injuries so far. Weather experts say heavy rains will continue to lash the city over the next few days and low-lying areas will be at risk of flooding.
