Bhatkal: A massive landslide in Shirur village, located between Kumta and Ankola, around 90 km from Bhatkal, has caused severe disruption on the National Highway. The extent of the damage remains unclear, with many people potentially buried under the debris or swept away by the Sharavati river.

A significant section of the National Highway, spanning 150 meters, has been covered by debris. Clearing the debris is expected to take more than three days. The ongoing rain and continued landslides have halted debris removal work temporarily.

A SahilOnline representative from Karwar who reached the spot in Shirur reported that continuous rain and landslides have complicated rescue efforts. The representative, who reached the site using a bike due to the blocked highway and lack of mobile network, described the scene. At the time of the landslide, around 8:30 AM, a hotel located at the accident site was busy with many vehicles stopping for breakfast and tea. Two cars and two tankers were reportedly on the highway when the landslide occurred.

One of the tankers was seen drifting in the nearby Gangavali river, while the other tanker and the two cars were not immediately spotted. It is unclear if the cars moved ahead before the debris fell or if they were caught in the wreckage. Five members of the same family are confirmed to be buried under the debris: Laxman Naik (47), Shanti Naik (55), Avantika (6), Roshan (11), and Jagannath (55). Only one body has been recovered from the river so far, with no bodies recovered from the debris.

Eyewitnesses report that the heavy debris covered around 150 meters and extended to the other side of the Gangavali river, affecting two houses. Due to the heavy rain and flooding, it is impossible to cross the river, making it unclear if the residents of the houses survived, were washed away, or were buried under the debris.

Following the incident, Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya, SP M. Narayan, MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, the NDRF team, and the fire rescue team have arrived at the scene.