Ankola landslide: Exact location identified, wood from lorry found

Ankola (Karnataka): The search for lorry driver Arjun, a native of Kozhikode, who went missing in a landslide at Shirur, is in progress on the tenth day since the landslide. Reports indicate that the exact position of the lorry in the river has been identified. It is reported that the pieces of wood that the lorry was carrying has been found. The wood was found over 8 kms away from the site of the landslide. The lorry owner has identified the wood marked ‘PA1’ as the same which Arjun’s lorry was carrying. 

A critical mission is underway in Shirur to bring out the lorry, detected at the bottom of the river, to the shore during the Navy’s sonar inspection. As the first phase of the mission, divers in three boats inspected the suspected area. The flow and downstream were examined. Officials say that strong current and turbulent water makes it challenging to access the bottom of the river where the lorry is believed to be.

On Wednesday, it was found that the lorry was 20 meters away from the shore in the mud mounts formed due to the landslide. The Navy’s scuba team arrived on wednesday to inspect the truck, which was lying at a depth of 15 meters, but returned as they were unable to enter the river due to strong winds, rain and currents. 

“A precise outline is required to carry out an operation in the area where the Navy has assumed the presence of the lorry. Those who enter the water need to have self-confidence. Because the undercurrent of the water is strong, the divers enter by putting their lives at risk. They can enter only after assuming the correct position of the truck and deciphering the driver side of the cabin. This will make the process easier. We are preparing technical aid to facilitate this, Rt. Major General M Indrabala said.