UNB, New Delhi
As many as 25 people have been killed in house collapses triggered by heavy monsoon rains in India's financial capital Mumbai in the past 24 hours, officials said on Sunday.
Mumbai received 177 mm rainfall between 8pm Saturday and 8am Sunday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
“While 20 people lost their lives after getting trapped under the debris of their houses in the hilly Chembur area, a Mumbai suburb, five more died in the neighbouring Vikhroli area,” a civic body official told the media.
In Vikhroli, a two-storey building collapsed like a pack of cards unable to withstand the heavy overnight showers, the official added.
So far, 15 people have been pulled out alive by rescuers from under the debris in these two areas. "These injured survivors have been admitted to nearby hospitals. The victims include women and kids," he said.
Local TV channels beamed footage of live rescue operations in these areas.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to offer his condolences and also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. "Rs 50,000 would be given to those injured."
A probe has been ordered into the building collapses, the civic body official added.
Building collapses are common in India, particularly during the monsoon months of June, July and August. Poor construction quality is often blamed for such collapses.