Landslide Traps Many in India

AMBEGAON, INDIA – Anywhere between 50 to 200 people are feared trapped after heavy rains triggered a landslide in a village in western India, television channels reported on Wednesday (July 30).

Nearly 300 rescue workers were on their way to Ambegaon village near the western city of Pune.

At least 15 people were killed after heavy rains triggered the landslide in Maharashtra’s Pune district.

Rescuers were searching for survivors and bodies in the massive debris of mud and rock.

It is a race against time and battling inclement weather for rescue workers.

The Inspector General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) responsible for dealing with such calamities, Sandeep Rai Rathore, said difficult terrain and inclement weather were posing problems for the rescuers.

“What we have come to know through the district magistrate and SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) that there were number of people who were feared to be trapped and the number could be anything between 50 and above and less than 200. So, we are just waiting once the rescue operations begin in full swing and we get information then I can give you more,” added Rathore.

FILES: DAILY MOTION / REUTERS