Landslide kills 20 in Mumbai, India

Rescuers look for survivors after a wall collapsed on several slum houses heavy monsoon rains in the Mahul area of Mumbai, India. Photo / AP

At least 20 people have been killed in landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains in the Indian city of Mumbai, officials said on Sunday.

India's National Disaster Response Force said 17 people were killed and two others were injured after a wall collapsed on several slum houses in the Mahul area of the city early Sunday. The injured were recovering in a hospital.

In a separate incident, three people were killed in Mumbai's Vikhroli neighbourhood after half a dozen huts located at the base of a hillock collapsed on top of each other late Saturday night.

Dozens of rescuers were clearing the debris in search of at least 15 other people who were likely trapped under the rubble.

Heavy monsoon rains have waterlogged several parts of Mumbai, India's financial and entertainment capital.

Train services in the city have also been disrupted. Building collapses triggered by landslides are common in India during the monsoon season when heavy rains weaken the foundations of structures that are poorly built.

Annual monsoon rains hit the region in June-September.

The rains are crucial for rain-fed crops planted during the season but often cause extensive damage.