Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, May 17: Cyclone Tauktae that brought with it strong winds and rains caused heavy damages to the coastal belt of Karnataka. Speaking on this matter, revenue minister R Ashok said, "In the entire state, as many as 22 taluks, 121 villages, 333 houses, 2.87 hectares horticulture crops, 104 boats, 644 electric poles have been damaged due to incessant rain and heavy winds caused by Cyclone Tauktae."
"Six people have died and 290 people have been shifted to relief camps," minister Ashok stated.
He was speaking to media persons after holding a meeting with officials here at NMPT on Monday, May 17.
"Usually, the rainfall that occurs in Mangaluru in the month of May is around 58.7 mm, but, this time due to the cyclone the rainfall recorded was 205.19 mm. The deputy commissioner has already set up a 24/7 control room with helpline number 1077. Assistant commissioner, tahsildar will be indulged in this as well. There is also an NDRF team consisting of 20 personnel and an SDRF team consisting of 50 personnel in the district. There are 50 civil wardens, 100 home guards, and fire and emergency services personnel available to help during the disaster," he said.
Speaking on the Alliance tugboat tragedy, Ashok said that he has directed, under the guidance of the deputy commissioner, to form an inquiry commission to probe the incident. "What is the reason for this tragedy, whose fault caused this and what are measures to be taken. A detailed report should be submitted in this regard."
"MRPL has been asked to provide a compensation of Rs 10 lac to the victims' families. In this regard, I spoke to the chief secretary and requested an inquiry commission to probe the matter. I will also issue an order on the same," he said.
The minister also said that there is 20,000 litres of diesel in the tugboat and that the authorities have been asked to dispose of it safely.
The revenue minister said that he has directed the administration to immediately provide Rs 10,000 to 182 families who suffered due to the incessant rains caused by Cyclone Tauktae. "In the district, as many as 87 houses have been damaged. Of which, 63 are partially damaged and 24 houses completely destroyed. The government will provide Rs 1 lac and Rs 5 lac to the people to rebuild their houses. I have directed the deputy commissioner to estimate the amount of loss incurred, including the loss of agricultural crops, damage to roads, and electric poles," he said.
"The deputy commissioners of areas affected by the cyclone have been asked to assess the loss. I will be visiting Udupi, Bhatkal and Karwar tomorrow. I will release the compensation available under NDRF and SDRF funds. The total funds available for Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada is Rs 106 crore. The deputy commissioners of the concerned districts can use the available fund for road works and to provide relief," the minister said.