Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Jun 27: Deputy Ccommissioner Mullai Muhilan has directed the immediate evacuation of families residing in homes on the verge of collapse due to heavy rains.
On Thursday, June 27, the deputy commissioner visited several rain-affected areas, including Sooji Kallu Gudde near Akashabhavana, Bajpe, Sri Devi College Kenjar, and ISPRL Surathkal Kana, to assess the damage.
At Soojikallu, a house situated in a hilly area is on the brink of collapse after the ground below it was excavated to construct a new house. The deputy commissioner instructed the residents to relocate immediately to prevent any further incidents.
Additionally, a retaining wall worth Rs 10 lakh collapsed, damaging another house and a shed.
Speaking to the media, deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan said, "We have received 175mm of rainfall in the last few days. A red alert has been issued, and a holiday for schools and PU colleges has been declared for June 28. We have formed task forces in gram panchayats and urban local bodies. This monsoon has already seen the collapse of a few houses, claiming four lives. We are identifying homes at risk and relocating the residents. As we are in the early stages of the monsoon, we expect to face challenges over the next two months. We are taking measures to prevent further incidents."
He also mentioned, "Today, unfortunately, we lost two lives due to electric shock from a live wire meant for streetlights. In the coming days, we will set up a tripping system with the meter for streetlights. A compensation of Rs 5 lac will be provided through MESCOM MD to the families of the two individuals who lost their lives."
Additional deputy commissioner Santhosh Kumar, assistant commissioner Harshvardhan, and Mangaluru tahsildar Prashanth Patil were also present during the visits.
Officials also inspected a house in Vidyanagar, Panjimogaru, which is at risk of collapsing. The residents are in dire straits after cracks developed beside the house, posing an imminent threat. Officials have taken measures to relocate the residents immediately.