A day after 34 people died in a building collapse in Mumbai, residents of another structure were evacuated because it had begun to tilt, Hindustan Times reported. A portion of the 33-year-old Noorani Mahal in Mumbra had begun to lean towards an adjoining building.
The structure had been declared dangerous by the Thane Municipal Corporation. It has 16 residential apartments and nine shops, the report added. Residents said it had begun to lean dangerously in the past two weeks.
“A civic official said tenants were served eviction notices, which is untrue,” 53-year-old tenant Ishrat Mohammad Shaikh told the daily. “Civic officials have turned off our electricity and water supply.” Santosh Kadam, a regional disaster management officer, said they moved the residents out as a precautionary measure.
On Thursday morning, a 117-year-old building in Bhendi Bazaar had collapsed, killing 34 people. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority had issued notices in March and May 2011 declaring the building was dilapidated. The state has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Every year, multiple building collapses are reported in Mumbai. Some of these structures are weakened by heavy rain during the monsoon season.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!