Bhubaneswar (Odisha), May 24 : Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Sunday expressed grief over the tragic incident in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, where eight members of a single family drowned while collecting black clams at Tatthehakalu beach near Bhatkal.
In a post on X, the Governor offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength to endure the loss and for the speedy recovery of any injured. "Deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath give strength to the grieving families and bless the injured with a speedy recovery," the post read.
Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also expressed sorrow over the incident, stating that the deaths of eight family members had left him deeply distressed.
The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the deceased. He also informed that a search operation was underway for those reported missing and urged people to pray for their safe return.
In a post on X, CM Siddaramaiah said, "Hearing the news that eight members of a single family... drowned in the water and lost their lives has left me deeply distressed. I pray that the departed souls find eternal peace. This is an extremely tragic and painful incident."
He added that on humanitarian grounds, the state government will provide compensation of 5 lakh rupees each to the families of those who perished in the disaster. There is also information that some others are missing in this accident, and 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."