Kerala native suspected missing in Karnataka landslide; rescue operations ongoing

Bengaluru: A Kozhikode native is feared to be among those missing following a landslide in Ankola, Karnataka. Arjun, a truck driver from Kozhikode, is suspected to have been trapped under the thick layers of mud for the past three days.

The suspicion arose when the GPS signal from Arjun's truck was last traced to the landslide site. Concerned relatives have reported Arjun missing, and the search has now entered its third day.

Local sources indicate that a tea stall was situated at the landslide location, suggesting that the incident may have affected individuals who had stopped for tea. Yesterday, rescue teams recovered ten bodies, including five members of a single family. This heightened fears that Arjun could be among the victims.

M.K. Raghavan, Kozhikode MP, has been in touch with Arjun's relatives, who have reached the affected area. The ongoing search operation is being led by the Navy and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

M.K. Raghavan reported that the authorities described the landslide area as experiencing heavy rainfall, which caused the river to overflow, complicating rescue efforts. He said that he is also attempting to coordinate with Mankal Vaidya, the in-charge minister of Uttara Kannada district, to bolster rescue efforts and ensure all possible measures are taken.