President Droupadi Murmu expresses condolences after 8 family members drown near Karnataka's Bhatkal
New Delhi, May 24
President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday expressed grief after eight members of a family died from drowning at Tatthehakalu beach near Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka.
In a post on X, President Murmu conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of those injured in the incident.
"The news of the tragic loss of lives in an accident in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka is very distressing. I extend my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," the President said.
Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also expressed sorrow over the incident.
In a post on X, Siddaramaiah said the victims had gone to collect black clams on the Tatthehakalu beach near Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district when the tragedy occurred.
"Hearing the news that eight members of a single family, who had gone to collect black clams on the Tatthehakalu beach near Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district, drowned in the water and lost their lives has left me deeply distressed. I pray that the departed souls find eternal peace. This is an extremely tragic and painful incident," the Chief Minister stated.
The Karnataka government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those who died in the incident.
"On humanitarian grounds, the state government will provide compensation of 5 lakh rupees each to the families of those who perished in the disaster," Siddaramaiah said.
The Chief Minister further said that some people were still reported missing and that search and rescue operations were underway in the area.
"There is also information that some others are missing in this accident, and an intensive search is underway for them. Let us all pray to God that those who are missing return alive and reunite with their loved ones," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences over the drowning incident at Tatthehakalu beach in Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is absolutely devastating. A family of 8 gone in the pursuit of daily livelihood. The compensation of Rs 5 lakh is welcome but nothing can bring back human lives. The government should also look into better coastal safety and awareness programs for local fisherfolk communities.
Very sad news from Karnataka. My heart goes out to the families. The President and CM's swift response is appreciated but we need more proactive steps - warning signs, patrols, and rescue equipment at hazardous beaches. Every life is precious. 🙏
Terrible news. As someone who's visited beaches in Karnataka, this is a stark reminder of the dangers of rip currents and unguarded shores. My thoughts with the families and those still missing. I hope the search operations succeed.
Extremely painful to read this. One family wiped out while trying to earn a living. The government compensation is good but why is there still no proper safety infrastructure at our beaches? This is a tragedy that could have been prevented with basic safety protocols. 😔
So sad to hear about this tragedy in Karnataka. My thoughts are with the families and those still missing. The response from the President, PM and CM shows the gravity of the situation. Hoping for a miracle that the missing are found safe.
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