A landslide occurred in Mangaluru on Thursday, July 17, following intense rainfall that lashed the region overnight, disrupting traffic and daily activities in the Dakshina Kannada district. The heavy downpour, which saw Mangaluru receive over 206 mm of rainfall, triggered the collapse of a hillside near critical areas, including the Circuit House in Bejai and a key stretch of National Highway 75.
The landslide has brought vehicular movement between Bengaluru and Mangaluru to a standstill, especially affecting heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses. Cars and two-wheelers are being diverted to alternate routes while restoration efforts are underway. The district police have appealed to motorists to follow the diversions and cooperate until debris removal is completed. Teams from the Public Works Department and the National Highways Authority of India have been deployed, working alongside fire and emergency services to clear the roads as swiftly as possible.
Authorities have issued an orange alert as more heavy rain is expected in the next 48 hours, and have advised residents and commuters to avoid non-essential travel, particularly in landslide-prone and hilly terrain. To ensure the safety of students and staff, all schools and Anganwadi centers in several taluks, including Mangaluru, have been declared closed for the day.
Experts note that the geography of the Western Ghats and persistent monsoon rainfall increase the risk of such incidents in the region. The district administration has issued warnings for heightened alertness and urged the public to stay updated with official bulletins for further instructions.
No casualties have been reported so far, but the situation continues to be monitored closely by authorities as restoration work proceeds amidst ongoing rainfall
