Tragic Landslide in Karnataka Claims Lives and Traps Residents

A house collapsed in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka on Friday, May 30, due to a landslide, trapping four individuals under the debris. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) coordinated a rescue operation alongside the fire department, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local authorities. According to the NDRF, a woman and a young boy were successfully rescued and taken for immediate medical evaluation. Unfortunately, two other individuals were found deceased and were declared dead at the scene after being recovered from the rubble.

In a post on social media, the NDRF reported, "A rescue operation was initiated after a house collapsed due to a landslide in Dakshina Kannada, KA. Four individuals were trapped inside. The NDRF collaborated with local administration, the fire department, and SDRF for the operation. A woman and a boy were rescued alive, while two bodies were recovered." The landslide occurred following heavy rainfall in the area, which caused significant structural damage to the house and trapped its occupants.

As reported by local media, during a state-level review meeting on Friday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revealed alarming statistics: since April, heavy pre-monsoon rains in Karnataka have resulted in 67 fatalities, with over 1.9 million people affected by floods and landslides.

Earlier on Friday, separate landslides led to the deaths of an elderly woman and three children. Prema Kanthappa Pujari, aged 65, along with her two grandchildren Aryan (3) and Arush (2), lost their lives when their home in Pambada Hithalukodi, near Montapadavu in Ullal taluk, was engulfed by a landslide. Additionally, a 10-year-old girl named Fatima Naima died when a retaining wall collapsed behind her house in Kankare, also in Ullal taluk. In another rain-related incident, a 27-year-old lineman was electrocuted while repairing a high-tension line during the heavy downpour.

The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka addressed the fluctuating weather conditions, stating, "We have summoned all deputy commissioners and instructed them to take action. For emergencies, we have authorized all deputy commissioners and officials to remain vigilant. After the meeting, all ministers should stay at their headquarters to assist the public, as we cannot escape nature." In Bengaluru, one of the most affected areas, Shivakumar confirmed that sensitive and flood-prone locations have already been identified. He added, "In Bengaluru, we have already marked the (sensitive) areas. My team is fully engaged in action."