India, Aug. 31 -- Four days after 17 people were killed and nine injured when the illegally constructed Ramabai Apartments collapsed in Virar East, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has directed immediate evacuation of 37 "highly dangerous" buildings that still house 191 families.

The order, issued on Friday by municipal commissioner Saurabh Rao following a review meeting, instructed assistant commissioners to directly engage with affected residents and ensure that they vacate the premises without delay.

"These highly dangerous buildings should be vacated immediately after interacting with residents," Rao said. "The residents must be made fully aware of the life-threatening dangers posed by remaining in such structures. The building...