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In South Mumbai, a tragic incident occurred on a rainy Saturday morning when the balcony of a four-story residential building collapsed, resulting in one woman's death and injuries to three others. The building, known as Rubinnisa Manzil and situated near Grant Road railway station, was weakened by the heavy rainfall, leading to the collapse of parts of the balconies on the second and third floors. Portions of the fourth floor were also left hanging precariously.
The collapse happened around 11 a.m., catching residents and authorities off guard. Fire department officials swiftly responded and managed to rescue thirteen people who were initially trapped inside the building. Despite these efforts, there are still reports of individuals who remain stuck inside, underscoring the ongoing rescue operations and the challenges faced in stabilizing the compromised structure.
Among the casualties, a woman approximately 70 years old lost her life due to injuries sustained in the incident. The identities of the injured have not been disclosed, but they were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Currently, three individuals are under medical care and being closely monitored by healthcare professionals. Rubinnisa Manzil is an old building managed by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), which had been previously flagged as unsafe by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Notices regarding the building's precarious state had been issued earlier, indicating awareness of the risks posed by its aging infrastructure. Despite these warnings, the tragic collapse highlights the vulnerability of such structures during Mumbai's relentless monsoon season.
Rescue efforts continue as authorities work to secure the building and assist any remaining occupants. The fire department is focusing on stabilizing the structure to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of rescue personnel and residents alike. In addition to the building collapse, Mumbai experienced widespread waterlogging due to heavy rainfall, causing disruptions in various parts of the city.
Despite these challenges, essential services such as train and flight operations remained largely operational, demonstrating Mumbai's resilience in managing adverse weather conditions. Traffic diversions were implemented near Sheetal Cinema and Kale Marg in Kurla, as well as along the Aarey route in Goregaon East, to alleviate congestion caused by waterlogged roads. The BMC coordinated these efforts to facilitate smoother traffic flow and minimize disruptions amidst the inclement weather.
Across Maharashtra, the heavy rains persisted, prompting the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue alerts for different districts. Chandrapur was placed under a red alert, signifying extremely severe weather conditions, while Nagpur, Amravati, and Wardha districts were placed under an orange alert, indicating heightened caution. These alerts serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of monsoon rains and the importance of preparedness and safety measures.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation and prepare for further rainfall, the incident at Rubinnisa Manzil serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with aging infrastructure and the critical need for proactive measures to ensure public safety during adverse weather events.
