A total of 36 people have been reported dead in landslides caused by torrential monsoon rains in western India, while the fate of dozens is still unknown, an official said Friday.

Three landslides occurred in the Raigad district Thursday, a local official confirmed to AFP, at a time when the continuous rain has isolated thousands of people in Maharashtra state, which includes the economic capital Bombay.

"At least 35 to 40 people are still trapped, and we are trying to rescue them," the official added, adding that 36 people died after three landslides yesterday in the area caused by very heavy rain.

Units from the navy and the air force are participating in the rescue efforts, after the rains caused floods that isolated thousands of citizens.

Rescue operations are hampered by landslides that have cut off roads, including the main highway linking Bombay to Goa.

The water level reached 3.5 meters in areas of the city of Chiplun, 250 kilometers from Bombay, after 24 hours of non-stop rain, which caused the Vashishti River to overflow and inundated roads and homes.

The Indian Navy deployed seven rescue teams equipped with rubber boats, life jackets and buoys in the affected areas, in addition to a helicopter to airlift the trapped residents. Each team is accompanied by specialized divers from the Navy.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings to several areas in the state, indicating that heavy rains will continue over the next few days.

Floods and landslides are common during India's rainy season, which runs from June to September, and also cause buildings and walls to collapse that do not comply with building standards.