President, PM express grief over the loss of lives in Mumbai due to rains

New Delhi, Jul 18 (Bureau) President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed sadness over the loss of lives in rain-related accidents in Mumbai. PM also announced Rs two lakh compensation each for the next of kin of the deceased from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). He added that Rs 50,000 would also be given to the injured. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to heavy rains in Mahul and Vikroli of Mumbai. I express my condolences to the bereaved families and wish that relief and rescue operation are successful,” President said in a tweet in Hindi. Mr Modi also took to Twitter to express grief over the incident.

“Saddened by the loss of lives due to wall collapses in Chembur and Vikhroli in Mumbai. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying that those who are injured have a speedy recovery,” Mr Modi tweeted. “Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to wall collapses in Mumbai. Rs. 50,000 would be given to those injured,” PM announced in another tweet. At least 14 people were killed and several are feared to be trapped in Mahul and Vikroli area in Mumbai after several houses collapsed due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the city on Sunday morning, local authorities said. It further said that rescue operations are underway. Local train services have been suspended due to waterlogging. A red alert has also been sounded in the city.