A landslide near Kettikal, close to Mangaluru in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, caused major disruption on National Highway 169 (NH-169) on Monday. The incident, attributed to persistent heavy rainfall over the past few days, led to traffic congestion and raised concerns about road safety in the rain-affected region.
The landslide occurred in the early hours of the day, when a portion of the hillside collapsed onto the highway, blocking both lanes. Commuters traveling between Mangaluru and interior regions of Karnataka were affected, with several vehicles stranded for hours. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.
The Dakshina Kannada district administration responded promptly by deploying personnel from the Public Works Department (PWD), police, and emergency services to the site. Efforts were made to remove the debris using excavators and earthmovers, and traffic was partially restored later in the day. Barricades were placed, and police personnel were stationed to divert traffic through alternate routes to avoid further inconvenience.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert for the coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. The hilly terrain around Mangaluru, combined with the saturated soil due to continuous rain, made the region prone to landslides.
Officials have advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel on this route, especially during nighttime, when visibility is poor. Local residents have also been cautioned to stay away from slopes and unstable areas. The district disaster management authority is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to any further emergencies.
NH-169 is a vital link connecting Mangaluru with several interior districts of Karnataka, including Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga. Disruptions on this highway can significantly affect the movement of goods and daily commuters. As a preventive measure, the authorities are inspecting nearby slopes along the highway for signs of potential landslides or erosion.
In a statement, district officials urged people residing near hill slopes or unstable landforms to remain vigilant and report any signs of land movement or cracks. Emergency helplines have been activated, and temporary shelters are being prepared in case of evacuations.
Environmental experts and geologists have reiterated the importance of slope stability assessments in landslide-prone areas, especially during the monsoon. Unplanned construction, deforestation, and poor drainage systems have been identified as contributing factors in such incidents.
The Karnataka government has directed all district administrations in coastal and Western Ghat regions to intensify monitoring and preparedness as the monsoon continues. The situation near Kettikal is under control, but continued rainfall could lead to further challenges in the coming days.
Authorities are appealing to the public to follow traffic advisories, stay updated through official channels, and exercise caution during this period of heavy monsoon activity.
