Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Aug 14: Deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil on Tuesday, August 14 asked the people of the district not to panic due to the non-stop downpour from the past week and requested all to avoid watery areas and river banks. He also informed that district administration has already asked fishing activities to be stopped as the climate is going to be the same for the next four days.

Addressing media he said, “Normally, till date, the district should have received 2,779.9 mm of rain. But this year, it has already reached 3,564 mm. It is an increase of 128 per cent in comparison to the previous years. As many as 11 people lost their lives in this rain. Moreover, 1,292 houses have suffered damages. Currently the level of Netravati river in Bantwal is 8.6 mts, and Uppinangadi at 29.6 mts. The level of Kumaradhara in Puttur is 25 mts.

Rains in Mangaluru

“Authorities have issued precautionary warnings to low lying areas in Bantwal and Uppinangady. The district administration has opened a relief centre at Bantwal. It is better for the people of low lying areas to move to safer places like relatives homes for safety. They can also contact the district administration for shelter. Please do not to go river sides to watch its flow or take holy dip as it is very risky. There is no dangerous flood like situation in the district, but people should take little more care of their lives in low lying areas.

“Meanwhile, we have already given holidays to schools. Now, we have given the authority to taluk officers to declare holidays based on the situation. In the city here, there is no such situation where people cannot step out of their homes. If parents think that their children are not safe, please do not send them to schools. The school management should cooperate with the parents. They should not compel the parents to send their wards just for the sake of attendance,” he said.