Landslide Devastation in Uttara Kannada: Rescue Operations Ongoing

Seven bodies have been recovered and three people remain missing in landslide-affected Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. Multiple rescue teams are on-site as operations continue amidst ongoing landslides. Severe weather warnings have been issued for the region.

Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya announced on Saturday that seven bodies have been recovered as rescue efforts continue in the landslide-stricken district in Karnataka. The Deputy Commissioner mentioned that the authorities are still searching for three individuals out of the ten initially reported missing.

A coordinated effort involving the NDRF, NH team, Navy, coastguard, fire service, and local police is underway. 'As we have previously told, we have received 10 complaints regarding missing people out of which seven bodies have been recovered, three people are still missing,' Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya stated to ANI. Uttara Kannada SP Narayan M also informed that active landslides are complicating the rescue operations.

'Three people are still missing. The problem is that river flows from there and landslides are continuously happening. We are cleaning the mud continuously. Whatever progress we make in rescue operations, the briefing will be provided. It's a very narrow road, we are doing our level best,' SP Narayan told ANI. Meanwhile, Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy visited Shirur village, one of the worst-hit areas.

Numerous residents from the Ankola region have sought refuge in care centers in Shirur village as landslides continue to cause havoc. The Bengaluru Regional Met Centre has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Uttara Kannada on July 20, and an orange alert for July 21. A red alert has also been issued for Shimoga, Udupi, and Chikmagalur for July 20.

'Scattered heavy to isolated very heavy rain very likely to occur over Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka on July 20, 2024, while isolated heavy rain is very likely to occur over North Interior Karnataka from July 18 to 22, 2024; over Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka on 21st, 22nd July 2024,' according to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).