05 July,2026 11:32 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
The incident occurred at Avighna Co-operative Housing Society. PIC/By Special Arrangement
SEVENTEEN families were evacuated from a residential building in Belapur on Saturday night after a balcony slab of a first-floor flat collapsed amid heavy rainfall, officials said. The incident occurred at Avighna Co-operative Housing Society in Shahbaz Village around 9.30 pm. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Following the collapse, personnel from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) Fire and Disaster Management Department reached the site, inspected the structure, and shifted residents of all 17 flats to safer locations as a precautionary measure. The incident has once again highlighted the deteriorating condition of Navi Mumbai's ageing residential buildings.
The incident comes even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has continued its red alert for Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall along with strong winds. Navi Mumbai recorded 210.76 mm of rainfall on Saturday, while authorities have also warned of a high tide on Sunday, which could worsen flooding in low-lying areas.
"The safety of citizens remains our highest priority. As soon as information about the incident was received, our teams rushed to the site and carried out an immediate assessment. We evacuated all 17 flats as a precaution because even a minor structural failure during heavy rainfall can pose a serious risk. With the IMD's red alert still in force, we appeal to residents of old buildings and housing societies to remain alert, report any signs of structural distress immediately, and cooperate with civic authorities," said Smita Kale, deputy municipal commissioner, disaster management, NMMC.
