Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, July 17: After a brief lull Thursday morning, relentless heavy rains battered Bantwal taluk again in the afternoon, causing widespread damage and disruption. Rescue and relief efforts are in full swing under the supervision of the Revenue Department.
In Dasakodi village (Baltill Grama Panchayat), a massive landslide buried a stretch of the village road in soil and debris, forcing authorities to cordon off and close the affected road section as a safety precaution.
Meanwhile, in Kelenjiguri, Shambhuru village, the boundary wall of Ullas Factory and a nearby plantation belonging to a resident named Dinesh collapsed under the weight of the rain.
Pudhu village’s Amemar resident Abdul Khader’s house suffered total structural damage, prompting the evacuation and relocation of his family to safer grounds. Over in Kavalmuduru’s Kalayi area, heavy rains caused the canal embankment to collapse, endangering the footpath used by local families.
Warning signs have been installed, and alternate routes arranged for four affected households who normally use the risky Sadri footpath.
In Kepu village’s Katte locality, a stone retaining wall along the canal gave way, causing cracks on the Neerkaje–Maniyarapade road. With the risk of further collapse looming, the Sadri road has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
Meramajalu village saw the local Grama Panchayat swiftly clear fallen trees blocking the Abbettu Paraje road. Similarly, a landslide at Kalkutta in Kariyangal village has blocked a vital route. Amtadi village’s Kupradi area faced soil and water runoff into plantations after a landslide on private land owned by Robert Minijas and Michael Menezes.
In Bantwal Kasba village’s Mandadi area, severe damage was reported after the walls of Sanjeev Guru’s home and toilet collapsed. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported. Additional landslides in Meramajalu have felled trees onto the Abbettu Paraje road, further complicating travel.
District main roads are also hit hard. Landslides have blocked key stretches at Kedukodi in Shambhuru village and Keduwar in Peruvayi village, notably between Kuddapadavu and Pakalkunj.
Revenue officials and concerned authorities have conducted site visits and launched immediate relief measures, vowing continued support to affected residents.
The heavy rains and resulting landslides have not only disrupted daily life but also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for preventive action in the region.