Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 26: In a heart-breaking incident, four members of a family lost their lives when a compound wall collapsed onto their house in Madaninagar, Ullal. The collapse was caused by the loosening of soil around two areca trees, which had grown in close proximity to the wall.
The trees, swaying heavily due to strong winds and rain, caused the soil to loosen. Combined with the accumulation of rainwater, this led to the weakening of the compound wall, which eventually collapsed onto the house, claiming the lives of four family members. Yasir Katipalla (45), his wife Mariyamma Kandak (40), and their daughters Rashina (19) and Rifaana (16) passed away in the incident.
Before the fire brigade and police arrived, local youth teams tried to save the victims. They fought for three to four hours to rescue them.
"We heard a loud noise at around 6 am and rushed outside to find the wall had collapsed onto the house. Locals immediately gathered and broke down the door. When we went inside, we received an electric shock as rainwater had seeped into the wiring. An electrician among us turned off the power, and we started the rescue operation. Three people were in the hall, and one was in a room. We first pulled out three bodies; one of the girl's hands was still moving, but she could not be saved as the ambulance could not reach in time due to the narrow road. She passed away on the way to the hospital. After removing the three bodies, the fire brigade and police arrived. The fourth body was retrieved later. Last time too, the same wall had collapsed on this house, but the family wasn't home as they were living in Mangaluru," said a rescue team member.
The tragedy struck shortly after the family had dinner and went to bed. Rasheena, the eldest daughter of the deceased Yasir, had narrowly escaped the tragedy as she had returned to her husband's house in Kerala the previous evening after visiting her father for Bakrid.
Maximum compensation from govt: U T Khader
Legislative assembly speaker U T Khader visited the site of the incident in Madaninagar, Kuthar. Speaking with the media, he expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event.
He said, "This is an extremely painful incident. Natural calamities are beyond our control; they are in the hands of God. We stand with the family of Yasir in their grief. To prevent such incidents from recurring, we will discuss with the deputy commissioner (DC) and the CEO to take immediate temporary measures for relief. I have spoken with revenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda to discuss the maximum possible assistance from the government.
“I commend all the youth and gram panchayat members of Madaninagar for their efforts. We will work with government officials to support the family in every way possible. Once the daughter arrives, we will conduct the funeral rites with due respect, collectively as a community. We will also discuss with the DC and other officials regarding the government's and the education department's relief measures.
“Natural disasters have occurred even in stable areas. This incident serves as a warning to everyone, especially those building homes. Those constructing homes on higher ground must consider the safety of those living below. Financial constraints often compel people to build houses in risky areas. The coastal environment is hazardous. The upper house remains a concern, and removing soil could lead to its collapse. We will provide temporary relief measures, such as sandbags, until the rainy season ends. The local administration should ensure that homes are not built in violation of government regulations," he said.
DC Mullai Muhilan assures full support to the bereaved family
DC Mullai Muhilan visited the site of the tragic incident caused by a natural calamity and assured full support from the district administration to the bereaved family.
"All possible assistance will be provided to the family affected by this natural disaster. The bodies of the deceased have been kept at a local private hospital. Once the daughter, who is currently in Kerala, returns, the final rites will be conducted with due respect. We will discuss the relief measures with all relevant officials and implement them immediately," he said.
Govt must take precautionary measures: Former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel
Former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel visited the site of the tragic incident and expressed his condolences for those who lost their lives in Madaninagar.
"I pray for the departed souls to find peace, and may God give strength to the grieving family. This is a residential area, and the government must take precautionary measures immediately. Relief should be provided to the affected homes without delay. Accidents during the rainy season are continuously occurring in coastal districts. In the area where four lives were lost, there are many more houses at risk, and the government must implement precautionary measures right away," he stated.
District BJP president Satish Kumpala, Mangaluru constituency In-charge president Hemant Shetty Deralakatte, and leader Santosh Rai Boliyar were also present.