SONBHADRA, Uttar Pradesh – A devastating mudslide in the dense forests of Kirwani village claimed three lives on Monday, turning a routine chore into a fatal disaster. The victims, all women, were collecting mud for traditional Holi renovations when the ground beneath them failed.
Eyewitness accounts describe a frantic scene as the mound crumbled without warning around 9 AM in the Myorpur jurisdiction. Five women were instantly trapped. Emergency responders, including police and district administration teams, arrived promptly following a Dial 112 alert.
Amidst the chaos, rescuers managed to extract two survivors—Phool Kumari and Najimun Nisha—who are now battling for life in Dudhi hospital. The deceased have been identified as Sadiqunisha, Anisha Khatoon, and Seeta. Post-mortem examinations are underway, and the area remains cordoned off with a strong police presence.
SP Abhishek Verma briefed the media: ‘Our teams conducted exhaustive searches. No additional persons are buried. We’ve informed the families and are probing similar high-risk sites.’ The villagers’ anguish was palpable as relatives wailed beside the tragedy site.
This incident highlights the dangers of unregulated earth extraction in forested zones, where unstable soil structures pose constant threats. Community leaders are calling for government intervention to provide safe materials for such needs, preventing future losses.
As Sonbhadra mourns, the focus shifts to supporting the injured and ensuring justice through a thorough inquiry into the collapse’s causes.