Karnataka landslide: Search yet to begin for Kerala driver due to strong river currents

Karnataka: The search for the Kerala driver who disappeared in a landslide in Shiroor, Uttara Kannada district on July 16 is yet to begin due to challenging weather conditions.

Rescue efforts have become complicated due to the strong currents in the Gangavali river, which currently exceed six knots. The team is set to resume search operations soon but must wait for the flow to decrease to more manageable levels. Ideally, it should be two knots. If conditions improve, divers plan to approach the lorry, provided the current falls to at least three knots.

Earlier drone surveys did not detect any signs of a human presence, although a signal from Arjun’s lorry was picked. It remains uncertain whether he was washed away or trapped in the mud, as searches on both land and water have yet to yield results.

Meanwhile, the remains of a shop and a banyan tree near the location where Arjun’s lorry was parked have been found. Kerala ministers P.A. Mohammed Riyas and A.K. Saseendran have left for Shiroor to support the search efforts. Today’s operations will not include a drone survey, as retired Major General Indrabal, who led the previous day's survey, has submitted a detailed report that will guide Friday's search plan.

The Navy’s sonar survey will continue, focusing on verifying whether the metal part identified as potentially belonging to the lorry is in the same area previously surveyed. The main objective for Friday is to determine if Arjun is near the portion of the truck that has been located.

Over 10 days have passed with no updates on Arjun’s condition or chances of survival, leaving his family in distress.