Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 16: With temperatures soaring and rains remaining elusive even as the city faces water shortage, bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha has requested people to gather for a mass prayer for rains on Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19.

In a press release, the diocese of Mangaluru stated, "Since people are facing scarcity of water due to delayed monsoon, bishop Peter Paul Saldanha has requested all the parishes, institutions and religious houses of men and women to organise prayers for the rains on Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19."

The bishop has given a call to all the people 'to trust in the providence of God and pray for rains unceasingly', the release stated.

"The weather forecast says that the monsoon is delayed. We are facing the problem of scarcity of water. I earnestly request all the parishes, institutions and religious houses of men and women to implore God to be merciful towards us and grant rain.

"We trust in the power of Lord Jesus to come to our aid," the bishop said.

Over the past month, the city has faced acute water shortage due to a dip in the water level in Thumbe dam. Though parts of Dakshina Kannada have received nominal rains, Mangaluru city is yet to get a proper rainfall. As per the metereological department, monsoons are likely to hit Kerala on June 6.