Karwar, 24 May

At least 10 members of a family in Karnataka, including seven women, drowned while two others were reported missing after a group attempting to collect freshwater mussels (locally called malvi) was swept away by strong currents in the Tatte Hakkalu river in Uttara Kannada district, police said on Sunday.

Uttara Kannada district Superintendent of Police (SP) Deepan MN told Salar News, "The Incident occurred at around 11.30am to 12pm, at the river in Shirali village of Bhatkal taluk, when 14 people had gone fishing during heavy rainfall."

Further SP said, "At that time, the river water level suddenly increased and a strong gush of water swept them away”.

The deceased included Umesh Manjunath Naik, 40;  Laxmi Mahadev Naik, 42; Laxmi Jattappa Naik, 30; Laxmi Appanna Naik, 60; Laxmi Shivaram Naik, 49; Jyoti Mastamma Naik, 34; Malati Naik, 38; and Mastamma Naik, 60.

Several others were still missing.

Condolences poured in with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a solatium of Rs 5 lakh to the next to the kin of each victim.

When strong currents in the Tatte Hakkalu river in Uttara Kannada district swept away a family, several others jumped into the river in an attempt to rescue those struggling in the water, leading to more people being caught in the strong current.

Police sources said ten bodies had been recovered so far, with at least three still missing.

The two people who were rescued are Nagaratna and Mahadevi, who have been admitted to the hospital. Yet, rescue personnel, police teams and local residents were continuing intensive search operations in the river.

The deceased, mostly women and all from the same family, were natives of Shirali in Bhatkal taluk and were collecting mussels despite heavy rain.

Collecting freshwater mussels is a livelihood activity for some sections of people, similar to fishing. Many of those involved were experienced in the work and had reportedly undertaken such activities earlier as well.

However,  Bhatkal Tahsildar Nagendra Kolshetti, told SALAR NEWS  that restrictions were already in place in several villages to prevent people from entering dangerous rivers and water bodies.

“Every year, from 1 June, the government imposes restrictions related to fishing activities and conducts awareness programs,” Kolshetti said. “Despite these precautionary measures, the tragic incident still occur."