Uttara Kannada: Landslide on National Highway near Shirur; 9 feared trapped under debris

Team Udayavani, Jul 16, 2024, 11:29 AM IST

Shirur: Due to heavy rains in Uttara Kannada, a landslide occurred near Shirur in Ankola taluk. At least 9 persons, including five from a single family, are feared trapped under the debris.

The heavy downpours caused the hillside along the highway to collapse. It is suspected that a total of nine people from two families living in the houses beside the highway are trapped under the mud.

The missing individuals include Lakshman Naik (47), Shanti Naik (36), Roshan (11), Avantika (6), and Jagannath (55).

The landslide has completely halted traffic on the national highway. Travelers from Karwar, Goa, Ankola, Kerala, Mangaluru, Kumta, and other regions are stranded on the road.

The hill was excavated for the construction of a four-lane highway, and the heavy rains in the taluk caused a massive landslide. The mud and rocks blocked all lanes on the highway.

Some of the vehicles on the highway have been damaged.

A gas tanker parked nearby has fallen into the Gangavali River. The driver and cleaner of the tanker are also reported to have been swept away by the water.

The Ankola taluk administration, fire brigade, and police personnel have been deployed to the site to confirm the number of people trapped under the mud. Officials estimate it will take more than 24 hours to clear the debris from the road.