In view of the urgent need for specialised men to handle search and rescue operations, like the one being carried out in Malin, the Maharashtra government on Thursday announced setting up of a new force for the purpose.
The state cabinet cleared to set up the State Disaster Response Force with an initial strength of 400 personnel.
It will be modelled on the line of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) which is spearheading the operations in landslide hit Malin village.
Armed with specialised equipment, the NDRF is trying to save as many people from below the debris even as the death toll mounted to 28 on Thursday. Over 150 people are reportedly still missing.
