Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, June 30: MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has instructed the DC and tahsildar to conduct a survey of houses in the taluk vulnerable to natural disasters and relocate residents to safer places during heavy rains.
On Sunday, June 30, Chowta visited the home where a family of four tragically lost their lives when the compound wall of an adjacent house collapsed on them on June 26.
Expressing his condolences, Chowta stated, "It is truly tragic that four members of a family lost their lives due to a natural disaster. I visited to offer my condolences and assess the situation. I was informed about the incident on the same day by the DC and tahsildar."
Highlighting the geographical challenges of DK (Dakshina Kannada), Chowta explained, "Given DK's uneven terrain, there are challenges in proper rainwater drainage, which can lead to such incidents. I have directed officials to compile details of vulnerable houses and prepare a report. The district administration must take immediate action to relocate residents of such houses during heavy rains and strong winds. I will urge the state government to expedite compensation for the affected family."
Present during Chowta's visit were BJP district president Satish Kumpala, Mangaluru Mandala president Hemanth Shetty Deralakatte, tahsildar Pradeep Kurdekar, CEO Shaila J Kargi, district vice-president Ravindra Shetty Ulidottu, leaders Santhosh Kumar Rai Boliyar, Chandrahas Adyanthaya, member of state minority morcha Sirajuddin, Kareem Ucchila, Siddique Kolangere, Dinesh Amtoor, village accountant Reshma, development officer Shanti, and revenue inspector Pramod.
Fathima Rasheena, who lost her sisters and parents in the tragedy, clarified, "Reports claiming my sister was about to be engaged are false. I had returned to my husband's house the day after Bakrid. There were no celebrations the previous day, and we woke up around 4 am daily to fetch water. The incident occurred around 3 am as there was no water filled and dishes were unwashed. We had previously requested the compound wall be rebuilt properly after it collapsed two years ago, but our pleas were ignored, resulting in this tragic loss. It's difficult to continue living in the same house; we hope the government will provide us a new home."
M K Sadiq, a social worker, urged, "The government must identify and secure at-risk houses in Madani Nagara, ensuring proper drainage systems. Officials must act swiftly to prevent further tragedies and provide a new home for the victim's family. Misinformation in the media has only added to the family's pain."
The incident has underscored the need for immediate action to address safety concerns and provide support to affected families, reflecting the community's collective mourning and calls for decisive measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.