Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi 

Udupi, May 16: The district deputy commissioner G Jagadeesh on Sunday visited the cyclone-affected parts of Padukere and Malpe.

Speaking with the media after inspecting the places, the DC said, "Cyclone Tauktae has hugely affected different parts of the district. Many private and public properties have been damaged due to strong rains and wind. Our team of officials are visiting the impacted areas today. I have also instructed them to document detailed reports of the damage. As per initial reports, 36 houses in the district have been damaged. Many fisheries roads were also impacted due to the strong rains. The officials are assigned the task of assessing the amount of the damage suffered and submit a report by evening today. MESCOM also experienced the impact of the weather. Transformers, electric poles in different places uprooted. MESCOM staff has been asked to restore electricity at the earliest. We also found that PWD roads were damaged. Even coconut trees got washed away due to sea erosion."

The district administration has set up 14 rehabilitation centres for the people affected due to the rains. 60 people have been shifted to safer places. One death has occurred in the district. We had asked people to cooperate and not venture into the sea, they have followed that order. One boat which was missing from Mangaluru has been found near Padubidri and the three people on that boat have been rescued, they are being treated at the district hospital. The cyclone has passed Goa coast and following this, heavy rains are likely to be witnessed in isolated areas," he said.

"Covid precautions will be taken in rehabilitation centres also. The officials have been instructed to provide only one room to one family. Many schools and colleges will be transformed into rehabilitation centres if the need arises," he added.

Speaking about the Covid situation in the district he said, "Positivity rate for past 10 days in our district is about 33 to 34%. It is our responsibility to reduce the positivity rate. About 63 containment zones have been identified. We have ramped up the number of tests. Every day over 2,500 to 3,000 tests are being undertaken. It was also found that many people are self-medicating which is causing death in youngsters. If anyone is symptomatic, please visit the hospital immediately and take the specified treatment."

Zilla panchayat CEO, Dr Naveen Bhat, tahsildar, Pradeep Kurdekar and other officials were present.