Karnataka rain: Death toll due to landslide in Uttara Kannada rises to 8; IMD predicts more showers

Uttara Kannada district has been experiencing severe rainfall for the past two weeks triggering multiple landslides affecting National Highway 66.

Published on: Jul 23, 2024, 15:49:27 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Death toll rose to eight as the body of a 65-year-old woman was found on Tuesday from the Gangavalli river in Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka during a search operation following a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on July 16.

The rescue operation by the Indian Army are expected to continue for a duration of seven days and is a collaborative effort between the state government and the Indian Army (ANI Photo)

National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Fire and Emergency Services and the Navy are continuing operations at the site and in the Gabgavalli river, reported news agency PTI.

ALSO READ | No negligence or delay in rescue works, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah visits landslide-hit area

Rescue operations are currently going on to locate the remaining people. "Search operations are underway to trace three more people, including the lorry driver (Arjun) from Kerala," Superintendent of Police (Karwar), Narayana M told PTI

Satellite images from the Indian Space Research Organisation on the day of the landslide, shows that there might be a possibility for a truck being pushed into the river, reported PTI.

ALSO READ | Kumaraswamy blames ‘unscientific work’ for deadly landslide in Karnataka village

The region has been experiencing severe continuous rain for the past two weeks triggering multiple landslides affecting National Highway 66, reported news agency ANI.

The Indian Meteorological Department predicted that it is very likely that most places of Uttara Kannada would receive moderate to heavy rain from July 20-24.

Following the landslide, the Indian Army mobilised two Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) teams from the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC) on 21 July 2024 as an immediate response. This team consisted 1 officer, 2 Junior Commissioned Officers and 55 officers of other ranks.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Sunday both Army and the Navy have been requested to scan the rivers, when asked about search for bodies in the nearby rivers.

"After the rescue operation is completed, we will look into the matter and if anyone is wrong action will be taken against them....I will also speak to the Union Road Transport Minister to set right the road work and take action against those responsible," Siddaramaiah said when asked about whether unscientific road work may have caused this damage. He also added that the work was done by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

From July 12-18, Uttara Kannada district has experienced a rainfall of 498 mm as opposed to the normal value of 237 mm which is excess by 111 per cent, according to IMD.

On Saturday, Union minister HD Kumaraswamy assessed the site of the landslide in Ankola, alleging the damage to be caused by 'unscientific work’. He said, “On the one hand, work has happened in the forest area while on the other, substandard work has been done. There are several good works happening in the country but here unscientific work has happened,” reported HT.

The rescue operation by the Indian Army are expected to continue for a duration of seven days and is a collaborative effort between the state government and the Indian Army. The state government is providing equipment, logistical support and so on. The Indian Army personnel will be working in locating and rescuing trapped individuals.

(with inputs from news agencies)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.