Ten members of a family drowned while another was reported missing after strong currents swept away a group of 14 people trying to collect freshwater shells near the Pali Halu Venkshapur river in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district, police said on Sunday.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the Solatium $5 thousand pounds to the relatives of each victim. He added that intensive search operations are currently underway for the missing person. “I was deeply saddened when I learned about the incident. I pray that the deceased souls rest in peace. This is a very unfortunate and painful tragedy,” Siddaramaiah said, adding: “We all pray for the safe return of the missing persons and their reunion with their families.”
“The accident occurred at around 11.30 am to noon, at the Pali Halo Venkshapur river in Shirali village in Bhatkal taluk. The 14 people had collectively gone fishing during heavy rains,” Uttara Kannada SP Dipan M said.
He added: “At that time, the river water level suddenly rose and they were swept away by strong floods of water. Ten people drowned and died. Three people, including the complainant, were rescued after being trapped by the strong water current, and were taken to Manipal Hospital for treatment.”
The authorities have not yet confirmed the exact sequence of events that led to this tragedy.
The deceased has been identified as Lakshmi Madhev Naik (38); Lakshmi Shivaram Naik (39); Malati Jatappa Naik (38); Mastama Manjunath Naik (43); Lakshmi Anappa Naik (44); Jyoti Naik (37); Umesh Manjunath Naik (42); Mangama Joyda Naik (40); Nagaratna Parameshwar Naik (40); And Madhevi Manjunath Naik (60).
Madhev Bhairappa Naik (43 years old) remains missing.
Three survivors rescued from the strong current are receiving treatment at Manipal Hospital, officials said. Authorities said that all the victims belonged to the same family from Baduchirali Sharadahole village in Shirali.
The bodies recovered from the river were shifted to Bhatkal Taluk Government Hospital.
Fire and rescue personnel, coastal security forces, police teams and local residents continued their search until late in the evening for the missing person. Bhatkal police registered a case of accidental drowning under provisions relating to unnatural death.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation $2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of those who died in the accident.
He also announced financial assistance $50,000 for each of the infected people.
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Collecting freshwater mussels is a livelihood activity for some segments of the population, similar to fishing. Many of the participants were work experienced and had reportedly done such activities earlier as well.
