10 dead in Pune landslide, 150 feared trapped: NDRF

New Delhi, At least 10 people were killed in the landslide near Pune in Maharashtra Wednesday morning while over 150 people are feared trapped under the debris, the NDRF said.

The accident happened in a village in Pune district of the state around 6 a.m. National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) spokesperson Anil Sharma, citing initial reports, said the landslide was triggered by heavy rain.

"Ten bodies have been pulled out from the debris while over 150 people are feared trapped under the rubble," he told IANS.

"Two (NDRF) teams, consisting of 45 members each, have reached the spot and five more are on their way... 17 more teams are on standby and would be sent if required," he added.

"Today (Wednesday) at about 6 a.m., a landslide was reported... district administration requested for help at 10:45 a.m. and two teams left for the spot by 11 a.m.," a statement by the NDRF said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the loss of lives as "saddening", and said Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be visiting the spot to take stock.

"Loss of lives in landslide in Pune dist. is saddening. Spoke to Rajnath ji and he would be travelling to Pune to take stock of the situation," Modi tweeted.

Source:IANS
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