Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jul 11: Dakshina Kannada district has reported a loss of over Rs 3 crore due to the heavy rains that have lashed the region in the past week.

The monsoon arrived late this year, beginning in the first week of July instead of the usual June onset. The heavy downpour has caused extensive damage across the district. Five people and two cattle have lost their lives, while the Mescom has incurred significant losses.

More than 300 electricity poles, electricity supply wires, and 50 transformers belonging to Mescom have been damaged, resulting in an estimated loss of around Rs 3 crore.

Suresh Gatty from Pilar in Ullal died after falling into a drain while crossing it. In Kulai, Santhosh, originally from Bagalkot, accidentally touched a live electricity wire that had fallen down, resulting in his death. In Moodbidri, Niranjan slipped and fell into a pond, losing his life, while Zareena lost her life when the hill adjacent to her house collapsed on it. In Sullia, Narayana, a daily wage laborer, drowned in a rivulet while attempting to cross it using a wooden footbridge. The district administration has already provided Rs 5 lakh in compensation to each of the victims' families.

In the district, 27 houses have been completely damaged due to the heavy rains, with most of them located in Mangaluru and Bantwal. Additionally, 83 houses have suffered partial damage. The district administration is providing Rs 1.2 lakh for houses that have been completely destroyed and Rs 6,500 for those that are partially damaged.

Furthermore, four bridges and 78 km of roads have been damaged. DC Mullai Mugilan stated that compensation has already been provided to the families of the deceased, as well as to those whose houses have been fully or partially damaged.