Tragic Landslide in Uttara Kannada: Rescue Operations Recover Six Bodies

Two more bodies were recovered from a massive landslide in Shirur village, Uttara Kannada, raising the death toll to six. The incident has led to traffic suspension on National Highway 66. The search and rescue operation involves local police, National Disaster Response Force, and other agencies amid heavy rains.

Two more bodies were recovered on Thursday during the ongoing search and rescue operations in Shirur village, Uttara Kannada district, following a devastating landslide that claimed the lives of six individuals, officials confirmed.

Consequently, vehicular traffic has been temporarily halted on National Highway 66, the site of the tragic incident that occurred on Tuesday, authorities stated.

Following intensive efforts by local police, the National Disaster Response Force, and fire and emergency services amidst inclement weather, four bodies were recovered by Tuesday evening.

"Search and rescue operations have been actively underway for the past two days. With collective support from all agencies, six bodies have been recovered thus far," said Narayana M, Superintendent of Police (Karwar).

Among the deceased were members of a family running an eatery along the highway. The victims were identified as 47-year-old Lakshman Naik, his wife Shanti Naik, 36, their children Roshan, 11, and Avantika, 6. Two others were identified as drivers caught in the landslide.

Officials reported that seven people were initially feared dead, with six bodies now recovered. Search efforts will persist until all bodies are found.

The state government noted that three gas tankers were at the eatery for a break when mud and rocks descended from the hill, sweeping two tankers into the Gangavali river due to heavy rains.

The National Highways Authority of India is under scrutiny for allegedly cutting the hill steeply rather than at a safer 45-degree slope during the construction of National Highway 66, leading to the accident.

Meanwhile, vehicular movement has also been prohibited until July 22 in the Seethalayanagiri-Mullayanagiri area of Chikkamagaluru taluk, where heavy rains caused hill collapses and significant road surface damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)