Corpse floated on ‘tube’ to reach burial spot, due to flood in Katpady

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 09, 2018:The flood situation in and around Katpady in Udupi district on July 8, Sunday compelled a family of a deceased to use Tyre tubes to float body to burial ground to perform last rites, at Kambalakatta Beedubadi in Moodabettu.

The bier carrying the body of Sheshi Poojarthi (96) was placed on tyre tubes and was made to float on flooded waters for nearly one kilometre to be taken to the burial ground at Palligudde.

Poojarthi had died on July 7,  Saturday night. The road connecting her house was cut off and no vehicle could reach the spot to take the body to the burial ground.

Reacting to the incident, Udupi DC Priyanka Mary Francis said the district rescue team had camped at Katpadi. "Neither the family members nor the Kambalakatta Gram Panchayat authorities sought any help from the district administration."

On the other hand, rain receded in districts on July 8, Sunday evening. The water level on NH-66 in Padubidri has declined and movement of vehicles was noticed.

The Udupi district administration has started a gruel centre at Beedinagudde in Udupi where flood victims are taking shelter.

The passengers in a car travelling to Dharmasthala from Bengaluru escaped unhurt when two trees fell on the car at Dharmasthala.

The DK district has received 238.6 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours. At least 16 pucca houses and six kutcha houses were damaged in rain.

Meanwhile, an NDRF team arrived in Mangaluru for eventualities.