Pune landslide toll climbs to 73

The search and rescue operation are still being carried out in the area where at least 80 more people are still feared trapped.

Chances of finding survivors seemed to be bleak with incessant rains and strong winds continuing to hamper rescue drive.

Only eight people could be pulled out alive from the debris since the landslide struck Malin village, nearly 120-km from Pune, early on Wednesday.

The search operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising about 380 personnel, entered in its fourth day after a massive landslide hit the village.

Rescuers are still engaged in clearing the mud and slush. NDRF teams are equipped with life detectors which can sense heartbeats of any living being and gave alert to its handler. Beside, trained sniffer dogs of NDRF are also pressed into action.

Dr. Mahboob Alam, Director General NDRF, is also present at the spot and supervising the on-going rescue operation by NDRF personnel.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Friday announced a financial aid of Rs. 5 lakh to the next of kin of each of the victims, reports said.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday also assured the Parliament that the government was providing all the required financial and other assistance for the immediate rescue and relief efforts.

He visited the Malin Village on Thursday and expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. Singh announced that the PM was releasing Rs. 2 lakhs each to the next of kin of each deceased person from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund in addition to the assistance under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).