President Mukherjee condoles deaths in Maharashtra landslide

New Delhi, July 30: President

on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives in a landslide triggered by heavy rain in Maharashtra's

district.

In his message to Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan, Mukherjee 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."

The president said he understands that rescue and relief operations were 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.

"Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons," he said in the message.

At least 25 people were killed and over 160 remain trapped under a hillock which crashed on a village near Pune early Wednesday.

IANS