Pune landslide toll now at 87, further 160 feared trapped

With the recovery of five more bodies, the toll in the Malin village landslide in Pune district, has climbed to 87 even as more than 160 persons are still feared trapped under the debris.

The dead included, 33 men, 42 women and 12 children, District Control Room said today.

Unfavourable weather conditions impeded the movement of heavy machinery pressed into service during the rescue operations, while the National Disaster Response Force personnel raced against time to clear the massive debris on the fifth day after the tragedy struck on July 30, a statement from the NDRF said.

State Home Minister RR Patil had visited the site last evening and assured the affected families that they would be rehabilitated.

The government has announced an assistance of Rs five lakh to each of the victims.

PTI