PUNE: A rain-triggered landslide struck Maharashtra’s Pune district on Monday, leaving one person dead and two others feared trapped after a house was buried under a massive mound of mud and debris in Maval taluka. The tragedy unfolded in Patan village following incessant monsoon rainfall that has battered the region over the past several days, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple emergency agencies.
According to officials, the landslide occurred during the early hours of the morning when continuous rainfall destabilised a hillside overlooking the village. A section of the hill collapsed, sending tonnes of mud, rocks, and debris crashing onto a residential house. One person lost their life in the incident, while authorities believe two more individuals may still be trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue efforts are continuing amid challenging weather conditions.
Rescue Teams Race Against Time
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, the fire brigade, and district administration reached the site soon after the incident was reported. Heavy earth-moving equipment, including excavators, has been deployed to remove debris carefully while rescue teams continue searching for possible survivors.
Officials said that persistent rainfall has made rescue operations particularly difficult. The unstable ground, continuous downpour, and the possibility of additional landslides have forced teams to proceed cautiously while ensuring the safety of both rescuers and residents.
Authorities are closely monitoring the area for any further geological movement. Emergency personnel have also advised nearby residents to remain alert and avoid landslide-prone slopes until weather conditions improve.
Heavy Monsoon Worsens Situation Across Pune District
The incident highlights the growing impact of the ongoing southwest monsoon across Maharashtra, where several districts have experienced intense rainfall over the past 24 hours. Pune district, particularly the hilly regions surrounding Maval, Lonavala, and the Western Ghats, has witnessed exceptionally heavy showers that have triggered multiple landslides, flooding, and widespread waterlogging.
Apart from the fatal landslide, emergency responders have been engaged in several rain-related rescue operations across the district. In another incident, an NDRF team successfully rescued dozens of passengers stranded inside a private bus after severe waterlogging near Ghorawadi railway station in Maval. Rescue teams used specialised equipment to safely evacuate the passengers as floodwaters surrounded the vehicle.
Transport Network Faces Major Disruptions
The relentless rainfall has also severely disrupted transportation across western Maharashtra. Rail services between Mumbai and Pune have been affected after landslides occurred in the Karjat-Lonavala ghat section. Several train services were cancelled or diverted as railway authorities worked to clear debris and inspect tracks for safety.
Road connectivity has also suffered. Portions of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway were temporarily closed after landslides and waterlogging created hazardous driving conditions. Authorities later restored limited traffic movement on some stretches, while several sections remained under close monitoring. The old Mumbai-Pune Highway also experienced disruptions due to flooding at multiple locations.
Authorities Issue Safety Advisory
Officials from the district administration have urged people living in vulnerable hilly regions to remain vigilant, particularly those residing near steep slopes or unstable terrain. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to immediately report signs such as cracks in the ground, shifting soil, or unusual water flow that may indicate an impending landslide.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of Maharashtra over the coming days, increasing concerns over additional landslides, flooding, and infrastructure damage. Disaster management authorities have maintained a high level of preparedness and are coordinating with local administrations to respond quickly to emergencies.
Search Operation Continues Amid Rain Threat
Experts note that the Western Ghats are particularly susceptible to landslides during the monsoon because prolonged rainfall saturates the soil, weakening hill slopes and increasing the risk of collapse. Urban expansion, road construction, and changes in land use have further heightened the vulnerability of some areas.
Meanwhile, rescue personnel at Patan village continue their search operation with the hope of locating the two missing individuals. Officials said the operation will continue until every affected person has been accounted for, despite difficult weather and terrain conditions.
As Maharashtra remains under the grip of an active monsoon, authorities have appealed to citizens to follow weather advisories, cooperate with emergency services, and prioritise safety until conditions stabilise.
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