As the search and rescue operation at the site of the Kesarbai building in Dongri, which collapsed on Tuesday, drew to a close, survivors struggled to come to terms with their loss — both of their loved ones and their homes.
The death toll in the collapse went up to 13 on Wednesday before the National Disaster Response Force and fire brigade called of the rescue operation. The survivors, many of whom are admitted to JJ Hospital, now face an uncertain future.
Alima Idrisi (28), one of the residents of the building, miraculously survived despite being buried under debris the whole of Tuesday. She was rescued around 5.30 a.m. on Wednesday, holding on to her sons, Arbaz (7) and Shehzad (8). The two boys, however, succumbed to their injuries while still under the rubble.
Mohammad Aslam, her relative said, “They were on the ground floor when the building collapsed. They were trapped so deep under the debris that the rescuers couldn’t spot them. She was trying to protect her children and held on to them the entire night. She realised she had lost the boys when they stopped crying.” Her husband, Rashid, took the children’s bodies to their hometown for the last rites.
Rescue workers also found the body of Israr Yamin Mansuri (54), who was missing. His nephew, Mohammad Rizwan, had rushed to the site as soon as he heard about the incident. “My uncle had a shop on the ground floor that he used to open at noon every day. He left home early yesterday as he had an argument at home,” Mr. Rizwan said.
Imran Kalwaniya, a cable technician who left Kesarbai building 10 days ago, was among the first to reach the spot on Tuesday to help with rescue efforts. He was injured by a falling piece debris.
Naved Salmani (28), who lost his wife, Sana, son Ibrahim and cousins Muzamil (15) and Zuber (20), was distraught. “When I was getting ready for work, I heard loud sounds and saw some rubble falling. I alerted my mother and we tried to rush downstairs, but the building crumbled in seconds. Next thing I knew, I was stuck under a huge boulder and couldn’t breathe. When I saw my friends trying to help others, I screamed and managed to push my hand through the debris, after which they pulled me out,” he said.
Despite his injuries, Mr. Salmani left JJ Hospital on Tuesday night to bury his wife and son.
His mother, Firdaus (45), managed to get out of the building, but suffered a head injury. “I was taken to hospital on a bike by a kind stranger. I was restless when I couldn’t find my children there. My daughter was trapped under the debris for over four hours,” she said. “Naved had already looked for a house in Mira Road, and we were planning to shift next week. We’ve lost everything in this tragedy — all our valuables, all our deposits that we had to pay for our new house. All we have is the clothes we’re wearing right now.”
Mr. Salmani’s sister, Zeenat (25), was able to shield her daughter, Nasra (2), till a rescuer managed to pull the girl out. “My legs were stuck under a grille and I couldn’t move. All I could think of at that moment was saving my child. After that, I mustered the strength to survive with help of the rescuers who were talking to me,” she said.
Sajida Shehzad (58), who lost her son Arhan (27) and granddaughter Kashaf (13) in the tragedy, was among the injured. “I had raised Kashaf as my own child. I couldn’t even attend their funerals,” Ms. Shehzad said.
