Varanasi: One woman was killed, and eight others were rescued following the collapse of two houses in Varanasi on Tuesday.
The collapse, caused by the city’s heavy rainfall, has left three individuals feared trapped beneath the debris, with rescue efforts underway.
In the Khoya Gali Chowk area, two structures, reportedly over 70 years old, fell, entrapping eight people. Five individuals were extracted from the debris by a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team and subsequently hospitalized.
Rescue and relief operations involved the NDRF, police, and a dog squad.
Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal confirmed the safe extraction of all individuals trapped under the debris. An on-duty woman constable sustained injuries and was transported to the BHU Trauma Centre, where doctors have declared her out of danger.
Kaushal Raj Sharma, Commissioner of the Varanasi Division, announced, “A woman who was admitted to Kabir Chaura Hospital has been pronounced dead.”
He further stated, “The rescue operation is nearly complete. Our focus now is on clearing the debris and restoring water and electricity supplies to the surrounding homes… The collapse of the upper floor led to the entrapment of the residents,” he elaborated.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath earlier acknowledged the incident and instructed district officials and NDRF teams to hasten relief efforts at the site.
The Chief Minister also ordered immediate hospitalization and proper care for the injured.
