Massive Landslide Devastates Uttara Kannada: Rescue Efforts Underway Amid Heavy Rains

A massive landslide in Uttara Kannada's Ankola Taluk led to four deaths and three missing persons. Residents sought shelter in Shirur village. The area faces heavy rains with ongoing rescue operations involving NDRF, Navy, and Coast Guard. Traffic remains affected on National Highway 66.

A devastating landslide struck the Uttara Kannada district's Ankola Taluk on Thursday, prompting residents to seek shelter in Shirur village care centers. Four fatalities have been confirmed, while three individuals remain missing in the disaster, triggered by relentless heavy rains.

The landslide occurred near Shirur village on National Highway 66, causing significant disruptions. A red alert for heavy rainfall has been issued for Uttara Kannada on July 19 and 20, with an orange alert for July 21, as per the Regional Met Centre of Bengaluru. Similar alerts are in place for Shimoga, Udupi, and Chikmagalur districts.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), extremely heavy rains are likely to hit Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka from July 19 to 22. Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya reported that a tea stall and two houses were buried in the landslide, with four bodies recovered so far and three still missing.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed a 24-member team for rescue operations, supported by the Navy and Coast Guard. Efforts are also underway by the National Highway Authority of India to clear traffic on one side of the obstructed National Highway 66.

(With inputs from agencies.)