Landslides at Shiradi: Vehicles remain trapped; officials scramble to clear debris

Landslides have once again struck Shiradi Ghat in Karnataka's Malnad region, causing significant disruption as vehicles remain trapped under debris. The incident, which occurred during the ongoing monsoon season, has left officials scrambling to clear the roads and free the stagnant vehicles.

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Despite the challenging conditions, no casualties have been reported. The hills, loosened by heavy rains, collapsed onto the roads, creating a five-kilometer-long traffic jam. Vehicles, unable to move, have been stuck in the debris for hours.

Officials are working overtime to clear the blocked roads and set trapped vehicles free. "It is the same story all the time in the Malnad region. They carry out work during monsoons, and vehicles get trapped," said a local, highlighting the recurring nature of such incidents in the area.

Heavy machinery, including JCBs, has been deployed to expedite the clearing process. Officials estimate that it will take one to two days to remove the debris and restore normal traffic flow. The collapsed hills have settled firmly on the roads, making the task more challenging.

The situation at Shiradi Ghat underscores the perennial issues faced by the region during the monsoon season. Efforts are being made to ensure that the debris is cleared as swiftly as possible, minimizing further disruption to travelers and local residents.

While the immediate priority is to clear the debris and free the trapped vehicles, officials are also considering long-term solutions to prevent such incidents in the future. The recurring landslides highlight the need for more robust infrastructure and preventive measures to ensure safer travel during the monsoon season in the Malnad region.