Jodupala tragedy: victims worry about their livelihood
Hundreds of people housed in camps search for ray of hope
Madikeri, August 25: Hundreds of rain-flood, landslides victims from villages around Jodupala in Madikeri taluk in Kodagu district are still spending days at various rescue camps. The victims of these villages have been housed in the rescue camps at Tekkil Community Hall, Sampaje and Devarakolli Government Schools in Sullia Taluk. 760 members of 198 families have been housed at Tekkil Community Hall and Sampaje camp. While some of them have gone to their relatives' homes, many people of Jodupala and Yeradane Monnangeri village are still living in camps as these are the worst affected areas.
Jodupala and Yeradane Monnangeri have lost their contact with other places because there have been severe damages. Roads connecting villages have entirely vanished. Moreover, most villagers' houses and lands are damaged. The Officials have given the green signal for the people to shift to their houses after verifying the situation of their homes, except in these two villages. However, a team of senior officials and experts will inspect Jodupala and Yerdane Monnangeri villages. People will be allowed to stay there, only after the team confirms that there is no risk to reside in these villages, a senior official said.
Despite all the arrangements in the camps, the Jodupala and Yerdane Monnangeri villagers who have lost their homes and lands are worried about their livelihood. The rescue camps cannot last longer. Villagers do not have their houses to live in if even they want to go to their villages. Moreover, there is no road for them to reach their place. “Our life is intact. We do not know what action the government will take to settle us. Organizations, politicians, and officials are coming and assuring us. We have stayed here for eight days,” Krishnappa of Jodupala village lamented.
Three camps in Sullia Taluk have been opened for the flood victims of Jodupala and surrounding villages in Madikeri taluk. Doctors have been assigned to serve 24 hours a day. The necessary drugs are available. All types of precautionary measures have been taken to prevent infectious diseases. Hot water is being provided to all the victims. Hot water is being provided even for bathing also.
- Dr. Subrahmanya, Sullia taluk medical officer
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
