President, V-P express grief after 8 of family drown in Karnataka
New Delhi, May 22
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday expressed sorrow over the reported deaths of at least eight members of a family due to drowning in Karnataka's Uttar Kannada district.
The family was on its way to collect black clams on the Tatthehakalu beach near Bhatkal in Uttar Kannada.
In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu said: "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."
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also expressed grief over the tragedy.
Taking to X, he wrote: "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the unfortunate drowning incident in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka."
"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray for strength and courage for them to endure this irreparable loss, and for the safe tracing of the missing persons," the Vice President added.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the victims.
"This is an extremely tragic and painful 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 wrote in a post on X.
Mourning the tragedy, the Chief Minister said: "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."
He further said that there is information that several people have gone missing in the incident.
"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 said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
These beach accidents are getting too common now. The government should install warning signs and lifeguards at such dangerous spots, especially places where locals collect clams and fish. Prevention is always better than compensation.
Such a devastating tragedy. My heart goes out to the family. It's one thing to lose a loved one, but a whole family ? That's unimaginable pain. I hope the missing persons are found safe.
I just read that black clam collection is a common livelihood activity in coastal Karnataka. It's sad that such a routine task turned fatal. The authorities should provide safety training and equipment to the local fishing communities. And yes, compensation is welcome but we need more preventive measures.
Respect for the President and VP expressing grief, but practical help matters more. We need better coastal safety infrastructure and awareness campaigns in these fishing communities. One life lost is one too many.
My prayers for the departed souls and strength for the surviving members. 🙏 It's always disheartening to see such tragedies, especially in places where people are just trying to earn their daily bread. May God give them peace.
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