Dist administration ready to face Ockhi cyclone

In the wake of sea erosion intensifying in Ullal, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U T Khader said that the Coast Guard has kept four helicopters ready in Mangaluru to carry out rescue operations in case of necessity in the coast.

The helicopters have been deployed from Goa.

Chairing a meeting on Sunday, the minister said that the district administration is all set to face eventualities following the Ockhi cyclone attack.

"The waves have partially affected eight houses in Ullal region. Sites and assistance will be provided for Evarest Alphonsa and Philomena Fernandes whose houses have been washed away. Inmates of about 40 houses in Peribail, Kaiko and Someshwar have been shifted. With work to check sea erosion in progress from Someshwara to Kaiko, the intensity was less in the area. Fire service personnel, home guards, health, revenue and Coast Guard officials should be ready to face the disaster," he said.

Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil said that a gruel centre has been opened at a school in Talapady. Following the high tide, fishing boats from Tamil Nadu and Kerala are allowed to anchor at Mangaluru coast. All fishing boats have returned safely to Mangaluru. The district administration has taken all precautionary measures.

The fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea till Monday night. The public should not go near the sea and venture into sea for swimming. Even tourists have been asked not to go near the sea.

The public can contact 1077 in case of any emergency.