Missing Truck Found After Two-Month Search Following Ankola Landslide

In a breakthrough, the truck that vanished during a tragic landslide near Shirur in Ankola taluk two months ago was finally located on Saturday. The truck, driven by Arjun from Kerala, had been missing since the July 16 landslide, which claimed 11 lives. Despite multiple search efforts, the vehicle had remained elusive until now.

A third search attempt was launched, led by expert diver Ishwar Malpe, who, along with his team, discovered the submerged truck in the Gangavali River. The truck was found upside down on the riverbed, buried under debris, soil, and stones, which were removed by a dredging machine. The team managed to secure the truck by tying ropes to its tires.

The recovery operation now moves to the next phase, where the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and fire services will work together to pull the truck out of the river. The use of a backhoe dredger, cranes, barges, and boats is part of this carefully coordinated effort, and the truck is expected to be retrieved by Sunday.

The devastating landslide during heavy rains in July took 11 lives, with only eight bodies recovered so far. The discovery of the missing truck is a significant development in the ongoing recovery and relief operations.

Ishwar Malpe, speaking to SahilOnline, confirmed that the truck’s wheels had been secured, and preparations are in place to pull the vehicle out of the water on Sunday.

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