Lagatar24 Desk
Uttar Kannada: Following a devastating landslide in Karnataka’s Uttar Kannada district that claimed at least seven lives, the Indian Army has mobilized multiple teams equipped with advanced ground penetration radar to aid in rescue operations. The landslide, triggered by relentless rainfall over the past two weeks, has caused significant disruption, including the sweeping away of two gas tankers into the Gangavali River and the blockage of a national highway.
In response, the Indian Army deployed two Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) teams from the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC) on Sunday. These teams, consisting of one officer, two Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and 55 other ranks, are working alongside local police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, and other agencies.
An additional team from the College of Military Engineering (CME), including one JCO and two other ranks, has also been deployed to enhance the rescue operations. This team is equipped with the Ferrex Locator 150, a specialized ground penetration radar essential for detecting individuals trapped under debris.
Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda highlighted the critical role of the Ferrex Locator 150 in the ongoing rescue mission. “As per satellite images from ISRO of the day of the landslide incident, there could be a possibility of a truck being pushed into the water. The Army team is conducting the operation with Ferrex Locator – GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar), a specialized device for locating underwater and soil metals. They have found some traces of metal inside the Gangavali River. Navy’s specialized divers will dive tomorrow inside the river and search for possible metal frames inside the debris of the landslide. We are following the expert advice of Army and Navy,” he stated.
Traffic on National Highway 66 has been temporarily suspended due to the landslide, causing significant disruption and leading to protests from truckers who have been stranded for over a week. Efforts are underway to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of all affected individuals.
