The family members, who were running a roadside shop on NH 66, were suspected to be trapped under mud and soil.
Published Jul 16, 2024 | 5:18 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 16, 2024 | 5:18 PM
Landslide in Shirur in Karnataka. (Screengrab)
Seven persons, including a five-member family, were feared killed after a massive landslide at Shirur in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district on Tuesday, 16 July, officials said, citing initial reports.
The family members, who were running a roadside petty shop on National Highway (NH) 66, were suspected to be trapped under mud and soil that plunged down a hill, official sources said.
The missing individuals are reported to be Lakshman Naik (47), Shanti Naik (36), Roshan (11), Avantika (6), and Jagannath (55).
The landslide also pushed a gas tanker to nearby Gangavali river, the sources said based on preliminary information, adding, that the vehicle’s driver and cleaner, who were reportedly having tea at the shop at the time of the incident, were missing.
“Rescue work is underway”, a police official said.
IRB company had excavated the hill for highway widening on NH 66, which, due to heavy rains, caused the landslide.
Raising the issue in the Assembly, Karwar MLA Satish Sail said as per the reports he has got, 10-15 people might have fallen into the Gangavali river following the landslide.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda told the House that he had asked for a report from the district administration and would make a statement later in the day.
20,000 cusecs of water have been released into the Kapila River in Nanjangud in Mysuru and the sixteen-pillared mantapa is submerged.
The bathing ghat of Nanjangud’s Srikanteshwara Temple is also submerged. The public is advised not to go near the riverbank until the water recedes.
Residents near the riverbank have already been relocated.
The district administration has sent warning messages to residential areas along the Kapila River.
Meanwhile, heavy rains continue in the Malenadu region of the Shivamogga district
A large tree fell across the road due to strong winds and rain in Halagunda in the Hosanagara taluk.
Following the rains, traffic on the Tirthahalli-Mastikatte-Kundapura road is temporarily halted.
Motorists travelling to Mangalore, Udupi, Kundapura and Manipal are facing difficulties since vehicles have been stationary for hours, since 4 am on Tuesday. Passengers are spending time in their vehicles due to the road blockage.
The forest officials are working to clear the trees that have been uprooted.
(With PTI inputs)
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