BOMBAY, 30 July 2005 — Deaths from record heavy rains in the western Maharashtra state climbed to near 900 yesterday, as rescuers unearthed more bodies from landslides and people stampeded after hearing rumors of a tsunami.
“We are now confirming that the number of dead in Bombay is 370,” said A.N. Roy, police chief of India’s western commercial hub. “As far as I know, the total number of dead in the state (including Bombay) is well over 800.” The figure included 18 killed in the overnight stampede, 74 bodies dug out by rescuers from a landslide that engulfed houses in Bombay’s Sakinaka area and five other flood-linked deaths, Roy said, updating earlier tolls.
At least 513 people have been killed elsewhere in Maharashtra state, of which Bombayis the capital, according to B.M. Kulkarni of the state police, taking the total number of confirmed deaths to 883.
Brushing aside the public criticism of the Congress-led Democratic Front government in Maharashtra over its handling of the situation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who was in the city to make an aerial survey of the damage caused by floods, last night patted the state government on a commendable job.
The prime minister announced a $50 million special assistance for the relief and rehabilitation program in the state.
“The rains that caused havoc were unprecedented and I commend and admire the excellent job done by the civic administration” he said.
Addressing a press conference, Manmohan said he would like to place on record his admiration for the people of the great city of Bombay. “I salute you all. You have demonstrated to the world what a Bombayite is made of.” he added.
