The Hindu Business Line : Maharashtra: Deshmukh puts toll at 696

THE official death toll due to rainfall, resultant floods and landslides in Maharashtra has risen to 696, said the Chief Minister, Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh, while addressing mediapersons on Friday.

The toll could rise further as more bodies could be recovered from the landslide site in Raigad district, he said.

As the Indian Army and local police personnel involved in relief operations await the arrival of heavy earthmoving equipment, about 150 persons are feared trapped under the rocks in the remote Jui village.

The State Government has announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh for the families of those killed. Instructions have also been issued to authorities to distribute 10 kg rice and wheat for each of the affected families.

The death toll in the State includes 370 deaths in Mumbai, 53 in Navi Mumbai, 134 in Thane city, 24 in Thane rural, 57 in Raigad and 15 in Ratnagiri.

Sindhudurg, Kolhapur and Nanded disricts have reported six deaths each and the drought-prone Yavatmal district has reported five.

Mr Deshmukh admitted to the media that bereaved families were facing difficulties and harassment in claiming the bodies of landslide victims in Mumbai.

He has ordered mass post-mortem for the victims and speedy paper work, so that the relatives can claim the bodies immediately.

Mr Deshmukh also convened on Friday an all-party meeting of legislators, municipal councillors and MPs from Mumbai and Thane to seek their co-operation in the face of the calamity.

He said the collective view of the meeting was to combat the calamity together and not to indulge in allegations and counter-allegations.

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