Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, May 30: Mangaluru city received a record rainfall of 368 mm in 6 hours on May 29, said Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil in a press meet at his office here on Wednesday May 30.

Explaining the rain situation in the city and the mishaps and damages caused due to the downpour, the DC said that due to the rain, two people lost their lives. Rs 5 lac has been distributed to the families of the deceased Mohini (55) from Kadri and Mukta Bai (69) from PVS, he said.

The DC said that the district administration got alerts regarding the heavy rainfall on May 28 around midnight and hence it was not possible to alert people. However, all rescue agencies and governmental oragnisations were immediately alerted, which helped in averting major mishaps. Holidays were declared for schools and colleges to minimize mishaps, he said.

"The rainfall marks the beginning of monsoons, however the sudden fall in pressure in Mangaluru and areas surrounding it caused the torrential rain. Usually, the Gurupur and Netravati rivers receive the rainwater that flows from the city. However, as the sea water encroached the final points of both rivers, the water could not flow into them. It caused an artificial flood in Jappina Moger, Pumpwell and areas around Kottara Chowki. Some blockades in storm water drains also led to flood in the city," he said.

"The downpour has caused damages estimated at around Rs 16.62 crore. The damage to the road infrastructure is estimated at Rs 3 crore, bridge infrastructure at Rs 1 crore, private property worth Rs 3.10 crore has been damaged, electrical infrastructure worth Rs 1.95 crore and other damages are believed to be costing up to Rs 7 crore," he said.

As many as 560 houses were damaged, of which 35 fully collapsed, 42 were substantially damaged and 483 were marginally damaged, the DC added.

The district administration will distribute relief to people whose houses completely collapsed within two days. For others, relief will be distributed after the officials estimate the damage.

As many as six shelter houses have been opened. The engineers are restoring the electrical and water facilities which were damaged due to the rainfall.

"I have formed a committee to inspect the blockades in storm water drains and drainages. I have ordered them to check all water pockets in city and its surroundings and stretches, chicken necks within 3 days. We are also inspecting the encroachments in city by private entities, which is leading to blockade of rain water,” he said.

A team of NDRF consisting 32 members and civil defense consisting 50 members are deployed in city.

The police, home guard and fire forces responded quickly and acted promptly to avoid the casualties. District administration attended all cases which were reported to the control room.

This is a historic rainfall in Mangaluru. There is a need to have a planned strategy to prevent damages in rainy season in future, the DC said.