Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 7: More than 100 locations in Dakshina Kannada (DK) district have been identified as being vulnerable to landslides, with 88 of them classified as highly dangerous zones. The number of deaths caused by landslides in the district over the past five years has risen to 17, and the recent tragedy at Naguri has once again highlighted the growing threat.

Landslide incidents along the coastal region have been increasing year after year during the monsoon season. More than five people lost their lives in landslides last year, while three deaths have already been reported during the early phase of this year's monsoon. Property losses have also continued to mount, with many affected families still awaiting compensation.

According to the District Disaster Management Authority, Beltangady taluk has the highest number of landslide-prone locations, with more than 35 areas identified as being under severe risk. The foothills of the Western Ghats, including Charmadi Ghat, are among the most vulnerable regions. Several localities in and around Mangaluru city have also been included in the list of danger zones.

Concern continues to persist at Kettikal, where more than 200 houses were threatened by a hill collapse last year. The mitigation works in the area are yet to be completed. Following the landslide in August last year, over 200 houses were identified as being at risk, and 12 families living in the most vulnerable locations were temporarily evacuated. While retaining walls have been constructed in some parts of Kettikal, several stretches remain unprotected. Authorities fear that heavy rainfall could trigger fresh landslides in these areas, which may also disrupt traffic on the Mangaluru–Moodbidri National Highway.

The major high-risk landslide zones identified across the district include Ambladi, Maninalkur, Perne, Sajipanadu and Kariyangala in Bantwal taluk; Addoor, Arkula, Soorinje and Kenjaru in Mangaluru taluk; Sampaje, Aranthodu, Aletty and Markanja in Sullia taluk; Subrahmanya, Ainekidu and Shiradi in Kadaba taluk; Bajathur and Puttur Kasba in Puttur taluk; Charmadi, Neriya, Shishila, Naravi and Venur in Beltangady taluk; Permannur and Ullal in Ullal taluk; and Beluvai, Shirthady and Niddodi in Moodbidri taluk.