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Ankola landslide: Minister Riyas calls Karnataka’s decision to suspend rescue operation ‘regrettable’ | Onmanorama News

Shirur: Kerala Public Works and Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas on Sunday criticised the decision of the Uttara Kannada district administration to temporarily suspend rescue efforts to search for three persons missing in the Ankola landslide, calling it “unfortunate”.

According to Karwar MP Satish Krishna Sail, authorities had to halt the operation on the 13th day after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning of heavy rains for the next 21 days in Shirur. The efforts were already difficult due to adverse weather conditions, including landslide warnings and strong undercurrents in the Gangavali river. This also posed a significant danger to the divers trying to reach the truck of Kerala-born Arjun, which was stuck in the riverbed.

“The Karnataka government had earlier stated that a bridge was blocking the possibility of recovering Arjun’s truck from the Gangavali river. They have mentioned that they are exploring other options but have not taken any action so far,” Riyas told the media.

“The (Karnataka) officials are not making full use of the rescue options available. They cite the IMD’s warning of heavy rains for the next 21 days, but we can still discuss and implement other rescue measures despite the adverse weather conditions. We have done so several times,” the minister added.

On the Indian Navy’s involvement in the operation, Riyas urged seeking support from naval bases outside Karnataka. “Is Karnataka the best naval base in the country? Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has already sent letters to the central government pointing this out. We can bring experienced naval officers from across the country to Shirur,” Riyas said.

Arjun, landslide site in Shirur. Photo: Manorama


Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijayan has sent a letter to his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah urging him not to give up the search. Vijayan stressed that the operation must be resumed using the best possible technology. Several MPs from Kerala have also expressed their opposition to Karnataka’s decision to call off the search efforts.

The landslide occurred on July 16 at around 8:30 am on National Highway 66 in Shirur when Arjun was travelling from Karnataka to Kerala with a truck loaded with wood. For the past two days, rescue efforts in the Gangavali river have been led by local underwater search expert Eshwar Malpe and his team of seven divers. Malpe, known for his diving skills, has rescued many people in distress and recovered hundreds of bodies from water bodies in difficult conditions. Despite several attempts to examine Arjun’s truck, the team’s efforts were thwarted by strong undercurrents.

Underwater expert Eshwar Malpe and a group of fishermen took part in the search. Photo: Manorama