Udupi: The villagers of Manchikere have been experiencing scary unnatural vicissitudes for over a year, now. Unexpected cracks on the surface, increasing water level in the hot summer, unusual well shaped hole in the paddy fields have created a panic in the locals.
Guru Prasad – Tashildar on Friday, December 19, ordered residents Jagadeesh and Ramesh Nayak to vacate their houses after a minor earth quake that lasted for not more than two seconds, which created a 35 meters crack on the earth surface.
Moreover, several cracks appeared to a well and a house that owned by Jaadeesh; rented to Shambu Kunder now; one more resident Ramesh Nayak spotted cracks in his house as well.
While sharing his experience Jagadeesh said, “Everything happened within the frame of two seconds in morning nearly 7.15 a.m. I felt mild tremors, also a loud sound was blown-up, later to which I discovered the crack, also large chunks of stones had come off the surface,” he explained.
Tahsildar Prasad advised residents – Jagadeesh and Ramesh Nayak to shift from their houses, further an alternative arrangements will be made for their residual, he said.
After scrutinizing the spot, senior geologist Niranjan said that he has collected the sample and a report will be sent to the government. He added that the areas from Malpe to Agumbe should be considered as a sensitive zone, besides these are a small level earthquakes and could be dangerous, he asserted.
Further he added, henceforth no one should be allowed to build houses in and around these areas, also he strongly demanded a geological centre.
Vittal Amin, vice president of 80 Badagubettu GP also spoke and addressed the issues of the residents.