4 Killed, 3 Missing After Rain Triggers Landslide On NH-66 In Karnatak’s Ankola

Bengaluru: Four persons died and three others went missing after incessant rain triggered a massive landslide in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka, a senior officer said.

The incident occurred near Shirur village in Ankola Taluk on National Highway-66 on Tuesday.

“There was a tea stall with five members: husband, wife, two children and one elderly person. The landslide had happened on the opposite side of the river. There were two houses, in which one person was missing,” Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya told ANI on Wednesday.

The driver of a gas tanker is also suspected to be missing.

“We have NDRF teams with 24 members and our fire service team. We have taken the support of the Navy and Coast Guard who are within the district. They have given us their safety gear as well personnel to handle the rescue operation,” the DC said.
The local administration has asked NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) to clear one side of the road so that traffic can be allowed to pass. “We expect it to be done in another 24 to 48 hours,” the DC added.

Meanwhile, traffic has been disrupted on this stretch on NH-66. Trucks and tankers have been stranded in Shirur. “We have been here for the past three days. There is no drinking water available here. We have to get our food from Ankola. Don’t know when everything will be alright,” said the driver of a stranded Cochin-bound truck.