Udupi: Deputy commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati, accompanied by zilla panchayat CEO, Sindhu B Roopesh, on Tuesday visited areas affected by heavy rain in the district, and inspected the damage first-hand. The duo inspected houses damaged at Hombady, Mundady, Gopady, Kottathattu and Bellampalli, and directed revenue officials to expedite the release of relief amount to those affected by heavy rain.
In the wake of a warning given by the Indian Meteorological Department of heavy rainfall, a red alert has been issued for the district on Wednesday, with rainfall in excess of 200 mm likely, Hephsiba said, adding district officials have been directed to take measures in advance, to prevent any calamity. Incidentally, Koni gram panchayat in Kundapur taluk recorded the highest rainfall of 295 mm in Karnataka in the last 24 hours, up to 8.30am on Tuesday.
District and taluk level officials have also been directed to remain in their respective headquarters, and not switch off their mobiles, she said. “Officials should visit the spot from where reports of rain related damage reaches them and initiate relief measures forthwith,” the DC said . This could include shifting people to safer places, making arrangements for their stay in government-approved shelters during such disasters, the DC said.
Directing officials to warn people residing in low-lying areas to be on alert, she urged the people to inform the 24x7 control room on 1077, operating in office of the deputy commissioner of any rain-related damage or exigencies they may face.
As a precautionary measure, a holiday has been declared on Wednesday for all government, private and aided educational institutions in the district up to degree level, including anganwadis, keeping in mind the safety of students.
Artificial flooding
Over 30 houses were under water in Udupi district. Children, women and the elderly were shifted to safer places. Moodanedambooru, Nittur, Gundubailu, Bailakere near Krishna mutt were under water completely. The flood situation in these parts is due to the poor drainage system. People blamed the CMC for the poor drainage system. “Though the DC had instructed that the drains be cleaned of the silt, it was not done at the earliest. It was supposed to be done in November," locals alleged.
In Nagabrahmasthana, seven houses were water logged while 20 houses in Moodanidambooru and Brahmabaidarkala Garadi too were under water.
Seven families from Nittur were shifted to their relatives house while those without any relatives nearby were shifted to a school.