Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 22: A massive landslide, similar to the recent one on Kettikal highway, has occurred at Kaiguri in Permanki near Ulayibettu on the outskirts of Mangaluru due to continuous rainfall. The tar road connecting Ulayibettu to Permai Church has completely collapsed, forcing residents of the area to take a long detour via Malluru to reach Mangaluru.

Approximately four feet of the road has caved in, and soil has slid across a one-kilometre stretch, damaging homes and plantations. Arecanut and coconut trees in the area have been affected, with some bending under the weight of the soil. The landslide, which began on Sunday, worsened on Monday, causing further damage to nearby agricultural lands. Locals report that debris removal work has not yet begun.

The road connecting Permanki Padavi to Palikatte and Malluru Uddabettu has collapsed due to the landslide, cutting off access to hundreds of homes and necessitating use of alternative routes. A house belonging to a resident named Yehuzhe in Kaiguri has developed severe cracks, making it uninhabitable. The family has relocated to a relative’s house in Vamanjoor.

Geographically, Permanki is located at a higher elevation, with streams and rivulets flowing downhill towards Kaiguri. The landslide has altered the paths of these water streams, creating mini waterfalls and flooding nearby areas. Soil that has collapsed into the stream due to the landslide is diverting water into surrounding areas. The presence of red laterite rocks in the upper Permanki and Permai region, and the continuous waterlogging due to persistent rain, may have loosened the lower soil, triggering the landslide—something experts need to study further.

Mahesh Kumar, the taluk panchayat executive officer, visited the landslide site in Kaiguri and stated that a report will be prepared and sent to the deputy commissioner via the tahsildar. He confirmed that the incident has caused extensive damage. Meanwhile, Ulayibettu PDO Anita Katyayani, who also visited the site, said the displaced residents have been moved to safety but emphasized that relief work is not possible while the rain continues. She added that this kind of operation must be handled by the district administration as it is beyond the capacity of the gram panchayat.