What Led to the Rising Death Toll in Mangaluru due to Heavy Rains?

Mangaluru, May 30 (NationPress) The number of fatalities in the coastal district of Mangaluru, Karnataka, has tragically increased to five on Friday due to the relentless and heavy rainfall.

Authorities, in collaboration with local residents, have initiated rescue and relief operations throughout the district despite the challenging weather conditions.

The deceased include two infant siblings and a six-year-old girl. Identified victims are Prema Poojari from Urumane in Ullal taluk; her grandchildren, three-year-old Ayush and one-and-a-half-year-old Arush; six-year-old Fathima Nayeema from Montepadavu; and Vijesh Jain, an employee of the Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom).

Prema Poojari's home was engulfed by a landslide while her family slept inside. Her husband, Kantappa Poojari, heard a noise and attempted to escape but was trapped under a fallen slab, resulting in a leg fracture. Their son, Seetharama Poojari, managed to get out, according to police reports.

However, Prema's daughter-in-law, Ashwini, who was sleeping with her two children, became trapped under the debris. Seetharama sought help from locals to rescue his family, but they struggled to lift the heavy slabs.

It took nine hours to rescue Ashwini and her two children from the rubble. Tragically, her elder son, Aryan, died at the scene, while the younger child succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital.

Villagers reported that Ashwini, though semi-conscious, was begging them to save her children, and there was hope as the younger child, Arush, moved his hands.

Despite recent communal tensions, residents united to clear debris and attempt a rescue throughout the night.

Asif, a local Gram Panchayat member, recalled how Ashwini implored him to save her sons, but sadly, they could not save either child. NDRF and SDRF teams eventually rescued Ashwini.

In another incident, Vijesh Jain, an employee, was found dead, hanging from an electric pole near Odinmala in Belthangady taluk. Police suspect electrocution while he was performing repairs amid the heavy rains.

Additionally, a landslide near Montepadavu resulted in two houses being buried, claiming the life of six-year-old Fathima Nayeema. She was taken to a hospital in Deralakatte but unfortunately did not survive. Two others were rescued from the site.

Many areas in Mangaluru are experiencing severe flooding due to the downpour. In the Kallapu region, around 50 homes are facing significant waterlogging, prompting authorities to evacuate numerous families to safer locations.

The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rain in the Mangaluru area until June 2.

The Mangaluru district administration has declared a holiday for Anganwadi centres, primary, secondary schools, and both government and private colleges. Authorities have issued safety guidelines, urging the public, particularly parents, to exercise caution. A directive has also been given advising against venturing near the sea.

The Mangaluru district in-charge minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, has cancelled his scheduled engagements in Bengaluru and is en route to Mangaluru on Friday. He is expected to arrive by evening to assess the situation in rain-affected areas.

In response to the heavy rainfall, the minister has instructed the district administration to implement all necessary precautionary measures. He will remain in Mangaluru to oversee emergency response efforts and provide guidance to officials to ensure prompt disaster management.