18 killed in Pune village landslide

Eighty personnel of the National Disaster Response Force have reached the spot for relief and rescue operations.

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.

In his message to Governor of Maharashtra K. Sankaranarayanan, the President has said “I am deeply saddened to learn about the landslides triggered by heavy rains in Pune District, Maharashtra, in which a number of persons have lost their lives and many others are feared trapped under the debris. I understand rescue and relief operations are currently underway."

"I call upon the State Government and other authorities to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families, who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured," he said.

Mukherjee said: "Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons.”

rime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday directed Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to rush to Pune to take stock of the situation following the landslide.

The Prime Minister has condoled the loss of lives in the landslide and directed all possible efforts to help the affected people.

Rajnath Singh has already reached Pune.

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.

The Congress tweeted quoting Gandhi: "My condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the landslide in #Ambegaon near Pune."

"I pray that the ongoing rescue efforts rapidly reach the people still trapped under the debris," he said.

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

Heavy rains have lashed the area.