The death toll in the multi storyed building collapse in East Delhi has risen to 66 and at least 80 people have been injured . The rescue operation is on. Teams from Disaster Managament and other workers have been deployed to help in the rescue efforts. Our correspondent says, it will take several hours to complete the operation. It is still not clear how many people are trapped in the debris.Chief Minister Mrs. Sheila Dikshit who visited the site this morning said strong action will be taken against those found responsible for the collapse. Lieutenant Governor Tejindra Khanna, who also visited the site said that he has asked the MCD to carry out survey of all buildings in Shahadra zone so that weak buildings can be retrofitted to prevent similar incident in future while those beyond repair will be sealed.The Delhi government has announced an ex-gratia of two lakh rupees each to the families of those killed, one lakh for the seriously injured and 50,000 each for other injured. Our correspondent who visited the site reports, between 30 to 40 families were living in the building which had about 50 rooms . Most of the people were labourers , daily wagers and those doing petty jobs . The building also housed three small factories .AIR correspondent adds, many of the relatives and friends of the victims have gathered at the spot in the hope that their loved ones may still be found alove. The UPA Chairperson Mr Sonia Ganhi visited the LNJP hospital and met with the victims . The Health Minister Mrs. Kiran Walia has said that efforts are on to inform the relatives of the victims who are living in other states.The Congress MP from Delhi, Mr Pervez Hashmi has said the Delhi government should lodge an FIR against those responsible for last night's house collapse incident in East Delhi. .The Congress today expressed grave concern over the death of over 60 people in the house collapse incident in East Delhi last night. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, party spokesman, Shakeel Ahmed said the government should take action against those responsible and ensure such incidents do not occur in future.
News On AIR | November 16, 2010 9:14 PM
66 dead in Delhi building collapse