Reoccurrence of tsunami in coastal Karnataka cannot be ruled out, says expert

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar )
August 4, 2012

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Mangalore, August 4: Terming the Coastal Karnataka as disaster-prone region, Dr. Kumar V.L.S of National Disaster Response Team, said that the possibilities of reoccurrence calamities like the devastating tsunami of 2004 could not be ruled out in this region.

Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of the two-day workshop on 'District Disaster Response Team Training' organised by the Dakshina Kannada district branch of Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) on Saturday at the auditorium of S.D.M. Business Management College, Mangalore, he advised the volunteers assembled for the workshop to be in touch with the district administration during emergencies.

Stating that the disaster management was a continuous process of containment of risks, he said as many as 12 industries have been recognised in Dakshina Kannada district as Major Accidental Hazard (MAH) units, which is highest in the State after highly industrialised Bangalore. In case of any unfortunate incidents in these units, the damage would be severe. The Konkan Railway is a landslide-prone area, where disasters could occur. Hazardous chemicals are transported via two major National Highways in the region, where accidents can happen. Such reasons make Dakshina Kannada susceptible to disasters, pointed out.

He said that workshops were conducted in every district by Red Cross and humanitarian services were also rendered. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are taught to the voluntary teams so that their services and official rescue operations do not overlap with each other. Training on how to provide relief and rescue operations are also taught to volunteers, to make sure that they are available to help the authorities in case of disasters, he said.

Delivering the inaugural address, Principal of SDM Business Management College Dr. Devaraj K. said that it would be much easier to tackle emergencies if a permanent disaster management team was set up in the region. “Citizens in Western countries like the US are given disaster management training, and we need to conduct workshops for the people so that loss of lives can be prevented. We must be prepared for emergencies and disasters,” he said.

He recounted last year's Fukushima's nuclear plant disaster in Japan, where the situation was brought under control within 15 days because of the effective disaster management planning of Japanese. “When the Bhopal gas tragedy occurred, the factory workers were not largely affected as they knew how to divert the leaked gas elsewhere,” he added.

Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Chief Fire Officer H.S. Varadaraj said that participation and response from volunteers was required during emergencies. “What is necessary during emergency situations is help and assistance, so as to recover as many casualties as possible. We need co-operation from the people if we are to perform our duty in an effective manner,” he said.

On the occasion, Dr. Devaraj released a handbook on 'District Disaster Response Team'.

Vice-President of the district unit of Indian Red Cross Society Dr. Devadas Rai presided over the programme. Chairman of Disaster Response Sub-Committee Yathish Baikampady welcomed the gathering, and Secretary of IRCS, Dakshina Kannada, Suresh Kumar proposed a vote of thanks.


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News Network
February 3,2020

Feb 3: Shine Shetty, who was last seen essaying the character of 'Chandu' in the popular daily soap 'Lakshmi Baramma', made a grand comeback to the small screen with Bigg Boss Kannada season 7 as one of the contestants. The actor went emotional after his name was announced by Sudeep as the winner. He thanked the host, his family and friends and the viewers as well for continuous support.

During his stay in the house, the actor had the privilege to become the captain of the house twice. He is also the only candidate who has earned 'Kicchana Chappale' (applaud of appraisal) the maximum number of times.

Shine has been in the headlines for his equation with other housemates. His growing friendship with Deepika Das has been creating a lot of buzz ever since the launch of the show. Shine has always shown interest in Deepika. He has always admired Deepika and was seen complimenting her style statements.

Shine Shetty's journey inside the Bigg Boss house is worth a mention. From showcasing his talents to giving his best shot in the tasks and activities, the actor was always on the forefront.

His friendly nature and care of his inmates can also never be missed.

Bigg Boss Kannada 7 kick-started on October 13th 2019 with Kiccha Sudeepa continued to host the show. The show, which returned to the small screen with 'only-celeb' format consisted of 18 primary contestants, who entered the house during the grand premiere of the season.

Within a short span, two wild card entrants made a surprise entry into the house. The show was surely a roller coaster ride with unexpected twists and entertained the viewers to the fullest.

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News Network
May 7,2020

Bengaluru, May 7: Karnataka has revised its standard operating procedure (SOP) for international passengers. The first group of passengers will arrive in the state on May 8.

The number of categories has been reduced to two from three. Category A includes passengers symptomatic on arrival while Category B passengers are those asymptomatic on arrival. These are passengers who are either healthy or those having co-morbidities.

As per the revised SOP, the passenger will be released on the seventh day, if tested negative, to strict home quarantine for another seven days with stamping.

This norm is in contradiction to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ SOP for international passengers. As per the MHA’s SOP, the passengers (asymptomatic) will be under institutional quarantine for 14 days. Testing negative after 14 days, they will be allowed to go home and will undertake self-monitoring of their health for 14 more days.

On the contradiction, Pandey said, "We don't take chances as we rely on tests instead of just quarantining. Other states may be depending on just 14-day institutional quarantine."

"GOI SOP doesn't talk about Covid tests on international passengers. We have put an additional safety layer of three Covid tests on returnees -- one on arrival, second from 5-7 days and last on 12th day. This will ensure definite identification of positive cases even if they are asymptomatic and their subsequent treatment. We should look at the spirit behind the order," he added.

On the 14-day additional reporting period for category B, he said, "It is implied as category B patients should report to us for 14 days after their first 14-day quarantine period is over."

Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said that the State would follow the Centre’s norms.

Till Tuesday, Karnataka’s SOP had three categories. Under Category A (symptomatic), 14-day institutional quarantine at COVID-19 Health Care Centre was mandatory followed by 14-day reporting period. Under Category B (asymptomatic above 60 years with co-morbidities), seven-day institutional quarantine at hotel/hostel followed by seven-day home quarantine and 14-day reporting period had been recommended. The 14-day home quarantine and 14-day reporting period was mandatory for Category C (asymptomatic).

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News Network
April 21,2020

Bengaluru, Apr 21: Bengaluru Police and administration has issued prohibitory orders in the city, with exemptions to essential and emergency services, to enforce the COVID-19 lockdown.

"In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 144 (1) Code of Criminal Procedure, I, Bhaskar Rao, IPS, Commissioner of Police and Additional District Magistrate, Bengaluru city hereby issue a prohibitory order within the limits of Bengaluru city commissioner on midnight of April 20, 2020, to midnight May 3, 2020," the order issued on Monday said.

Section 144 of the CrPC pertains to the power conferred to a District Magistrate, a sub-divisional Magistrate or any other Executive Magistrate to issue orders in urgent cases of a nuisance of apprehended danger.

"As per the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India on the measures for containment of COVID-19 epidemic, it is imperative to take stringent measures in the jurisdiction of Commissioner of Bengaluru city to prevent the spread of the disease," the order said.

As per the order, the offices of the Government of India, its autonomous and subordinate offices and public corporations shall remain closed with the exception of defence, central armed police force, treasury, public utilities, disaster management, power generation, and post office, etc.

Offices to the state government, their autonomous bodies, corporation, etc shall also remain closed except police, home guard, civil defence, fire and emergency services, electricity, water, sanitation and Mandis operated by Agriculture Produce Market Committee, etc, it added.

It said that municipal bodies, with staff required for essential services, will also remain functional during this period. Other essential and emergency services, like hospitals, shops, etc have also been exempted from the prohibitory orders.

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