Kurla debris search: NDRF recovers cash, phones and IDs from collapsed chawl

NDRF personnel hand over valuables to the police for safekeeping. Pics/By Special Arrangement

During the search and debris-removal operation at Garib Nawaz Chawl, Ashok Nagar, Kurla West, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel recovered several valuables belonging to affected residents, including cash wrapped in polythene bags, watches, mobile phones, and PAN and Aadhaar cards.

NDRF Assistant Commandant Sarang Kurve told mid-day, "During the digging and debris-clearance operations, we found various valuables, including cash wrapped in polythene bags. We handed these items over to the police. We also recovered watches, mobile phones, PAN cards, Aadhaar cards and other personal belongings."

Some of the recovered possessions of landslide victims

Officials said it is common for rescue teams to find valuables while conducting collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) operations. According to a press note issued by the NDRF's fifth battalion, the landslide was reported at around 3.38 am on August 12. Team 5F of the fifth battalion, which had been pre-positioned at Ghatkopar for monsoon duty, was immediately mobilised along with a search-and-rescue canine, K9 Jessy.

Search and rescue

The NDRF conducted systematic search, rescue and debris-removal operations in coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the Mumbai Fire Brigade. According to NDRF officials, the goal was not only to save victims but also to safeguard the belongings of affected families amid the extensive debris-removal work.

Landslide death toll rises to eight

The toll in Wednesday's landslide at Khadi Number 3 in Kurla West rose to eight on Thursday after the body of 28-year-old Sadam Wazir Ali Khan was pulled from the debris. Khan was taken to Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar, where he was declared dead.

- Madhulika Ram Kavattur