2,336 houses damaged in DK, Udupi, relief works on war footing in Kodagu: Deshpande
Three villages in Kodagu witnessed maximum damage, 825 people rescued, two bodies found
Mangaluru, August 19: Total 2,336 houses were completely damaged in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. But the exact loss of property was not yet ascertained in Kodagu district due to rain-related incidents. Rescue operations were still going on in a war-footing level in the district, said Revenue Minister RV Deshpande.
After visiting the flood affected, landsliding areas and gruel centres and rehabilitation centres here on Sunday, the Minister said that in Dakshina Kannada district, total 1,326 houses were damaged in the rain, of which 299 houses were completely damaged and remaining houses were partially damaged. In Udupi district, 1,010 houses were damaged. In Kodagu district, thousands of houses were damaged. But actual figure was not yet ascertained, he said.
Rescue operation on war footing
Landsliding were occurred in three places like Jodupala, Monnangeri and Madenadu villages in Kodagu district. So far, 828 people were rescued and 825 people were in the rehabilitation centres. All concerned authorities and officers were strictly directed to look after the victims without any problem at the rehabilitation centres till the situation would come under control, he said.
In Dakshina Kannada district, total seven rehabilitation centres were opened for the victims. The government would get the report from the experts on the sudden landslides and other damages in Kodagu district. So far, the government has not received the expert opinion for the landsliding. But he was of the opinion that both man-made and natural aspects were the main reasons for this tragedy, he said.
The state government has already released Rs 100 crore for taking up immediate relief measures in the Kodagu district. Apart from this, the government has also released Rs 50 crore each to Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts for the purpose. For those who died in the natural disaster in Kodagu, the government has given Rs 5 lakh each compensation and two more people were missing, he said.
Dakshina Kannada district minister UT Khader, former minister B Ramanath Rai, former MLA Vijay Kumar Shetty, MLA Harish Kumar and others were present.
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JK: Fire breaks out in commercial building near Lal Chowk, 19 gas cylinders recovered
Srinagar (PTI): A fire broke out in a five-storey commercial building near the Lal Chowk city centre here on Saturday, but was doused before it could spread in the congested business hub, officials said.
They said firefighters recovered 19 gas cylinders during the operation and there were no casualties in the incident.
Assistant Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Aqib Mir, said, "The fire originated from the attic portion of the building, which houses the kitchen of a restaurant. The cause of the fire is being ascertained."
"The attic was severely damaged. There were no casualties," he said.
The firefighters managed to contain the damage by swiftly dousing the blaze using a hydraulic platform, Mir said.
During the firefighting operation, 19 gas cylinders were recovered from the spot, he said.
"We have informed the concerned police station," he added.
Mir appealed to people not to store combustible substances at home or commercial places.
