The rescue teams recovered two bodies of missing persons from the debris cause by a landslide site in Shirur village at Ankola taluk on Thursday. This increases the total fatalities to six, while more than eight individuals remain missing. As the rains continue to lash the state, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended the red alert for coastal Karnataka until July 18 with expectations of decreased rainfall from July 19.
However, the landslide, precipitated by heavy rains, has severely disrupted the area blocking NH 66 and leaving truck and tanker drivers stranded.
Stranded drivers have voiced their struggles, with one saying, "We have been here for the past 3 days. There is no drinking water available here. We have to go to Ankola to get food."
'Rescue Being Carried Out Under Calculated Risk': Karnataka Minister
On the matter, Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda provided an update, stating, "Incessant rains continue in several parts of Karnataka. Due to it, one incident happened near Karwar the day before yesterday. As per our account, 8-10 people are missing, and 6 bodies have been recovered so far in the unfortunate incident."
"Today, if necessary, we will use a chopper to conduct surveillance over the large area to see if the body can be located. The operation to clear the roads is ongoing but the rains continue. As we clear the debris that has slipped down, there is a possibility that the slope may slip further. So, the rescue operation is being carried out under a calculated risk," he said.
The affected families had long operated small tea stalls for tourists. On Thursday, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) found the body of six-year-old Avanthika near Gokarna, about eight kilometers from the landslide location.
On the rescue operation, Uttara Kannada DC, Lakshmi Priya said, "We have NDRF teams, with 24 members and our fire service team. We have taken the support of the Navy & Coast Guard who are within the district. They have given us their safety gear as well as personnel to handle the operation...As per NHAI's reporter, they are trying to clear one side of the road so that they can allow the traffic to pass, which will happen again depending upon the rains. We expect it to be done in another 24 hours to 48 hours, but the entire excavation will take some time..."
Meanwhile, the IMD has extended the red alert for coastal Karnataka until July 18. The rain intensity has lessened in south interior Karnataka, leading the IMD to downgrade the alert for that area to orange, effective until July 20. Coastal Karnataka is expected to see a decrease in rainfall from July 19, with the IMD adjusting the alert level accordingly.