Udupi: Kalmady Church Partially Damaged in Lightning Hit

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi / Mangalore (MB)

Update: Monday, 8-15 am

Kalmady parish priest Fr Richard Mascarenhas, speaking from Kalmady to Richie Lasrado in Mangalore, thanked everyone who called to express concern and enquire after safety of persons gathered for prayers, and also said that it was only because of the prayers and good wishes of his parishioners all over the world that there was no human injury or major damage to the church building.

He further said that the many people had still stayed behind after Mass outside the church as it was raining heavily. He expressed relief that mishap did not take place a little while earlier, when everyone had gathered inside the church.

He has conveyed his gratitude to all his parishioners worldwide, whose prayers and wishes alone saved the church from extensive damage and human casualty. He added that any steps which would be taken by the parishioners abroad towards damage relief would be welcome.

Earlier report:

File pic of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady

Udupi, Nov 5: Stella Maris Church, Kalmady, situated on the road between here and Malpe beach, was hit by off-season lightning accompanied by thunder and showers on the morning of Sunday, November 4.

The mishap occurred around 9-15 am, when the congregation had walked out of the premises after the morning Mass. Otherwise there could have been physical injury. Only a household servant fainted as a result of shock.

Equipment and appliances like refrigerator, grinder, inverter, switchboard, fans and fluoroscent lamps, beside electrical wiring have been extensively damaged. Some walls have cracked. Otherwise, there was no outward damage to the construction, said eyewitnesses.

Udupi tahsildar Dr Udayakumar Shetty, who visited the spot, has estimated the loss at Rs 1.19 lac. Village accountant Sudhakar Shetty, town municipal council member Indira Shekhar, the Malpe police and other leaders have visited the affected place.