Jul 13, Kathmandu - In a devastating incident following heavy monsoon rains, nine workers lost their lives after debris from a waste processing center in western India collapsed. The plant's management released a statement on Monday detailing the incident.

India's monsoon season, spanning June to September, is known for causing infrastructural accidents due to intense rainfall. Prolonged downpours weaken structures, increasing the risk of collapses and landslides.

The tragedy occurred last Wednesday at the 'Anthony West' waste processing facility on the outskirts of Pune. Thousands of tons of refuse from a nearby landfill collapsed, burying 23 individuals in the administrative building.

According to a statement from the company, continuous heavy rains destabilized the landfill, leading to debris falling and damaging the building. The company confirmed that nine workers had died in the incident, while 14 others were rescued alive.

Rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the ongoing rains and difficult conditions, with officials stating that those trapped under debris required urgent extraction. The plant has been temporarily shut down until structural and safety assessments are completed.

Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events across India, including heavy rainfall, heatwaves, and other climatic extremes. Meteorologists suggest that this year's potential 'El Niño' phenomenon could further disrupt the country's usual weather patterns.