News

Pune village landslide: 23 dead, 8 brought alive

by IBNS 31 Jul 2014, 06:38 am

Pune, July 31 (IBNS) The death toll in the landslide in Maharashtra's Ambegaon village touched 23 while eight were rescued alive even as more are feared dead and trapped under the debris, said rescue officials on Thursday.

Rescue operation by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) continued even as rainfall made their job difficult.

At least 150 are still missing in the landslide that hit the area a day ago.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh are likely to visit the spot.
 
The village is located about 120 km from Pune.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condoled the loss of lives in the landslide which was triggered by heavy rains  in the district.

The Ministry of Home Affairs earlier tweeted: "The Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh is leaving for Pune this evening. He will visit the landslide affected village of Malin in Maharashtra."

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi also mourned the loss of lives in the tragedy.

Officials said the landslide occurred at around 10:45 AM yesterday. More than 40 houses were hit, said reports.

Heavy rains have lashed the area.