Three individuals have died and one person has been injured following a significant landslip in Tirthahalli, Shivamogga district, Karnataka, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. in Gandhi Nagar, when a portion of a hillock collapsed, causing damage to nearby houses. A retaining wall constructed to protect residents also gave way, exacerbating the landslip.
Rescue Operations Underway After Hillock Collapse
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the affected individuals were labourers who had migrated from various parts of the state in search of employment. A family of three, including a child, is believed to be trapped under the debris. Rescue teams, comprising fire and emergency services personnel and local residents, were dispatched to the site immediately after the incident was reported. They have been working for several hours to recover those buried under the mud and rocks. The injured person has been provided medical treatment and is reported to be out of danger. Senior police and revenue officials have arrived at the scene to oversee the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Heavy Rainfall Paralyzes Malnad Region
The incident in Tirthahalli is part of a larger pattern of severe weather affecting the Malnad region of Karnataka. Heavy overnight rainfall, with Agumbe in Shivamogga district recording 197 mm in the 24 hours preceding Sunday morning, has led to swollen rivers and increased water levels in reservoirs across the state. This persistent precipitation has also caused disruptions to rail services in the Malnad region, with tracks damaged by landslides between Edakumari and Shribagilu railway stations, leading to the suspension of several trains. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that extremely heavy rainfall continues over parts of the Malnad and coastal regions.
Broader Impact and Preparedness Measures
The landslip in Tirthahalli highlights the vulnerability of settlements located on unstable hill slopes, particularly during the monsoon season. Authorities have issued advisories urging residents in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and consider relocating to safer grounds if necessary. The district administration is actively assessing the impact of the continuous rainfall. Similar incidents of heavy rainfall and its consequences, including landslides and house collapses, have been reported in other parts of the state, underscoring the need for robust disaster management strategies and preparedness measures across Karnataka during the monsoon months.
The Chenab Times News Desk