Continuous heavy rainfall has once again led to a hill collapse at Agumbe Ghat, located in Thirthahalli Taluk of Shivamogga District, a vital route connecting Shivamogga and Mangaluru. This recent incident marks the fifth such collapse in the past three years, obstructing the road with debris and necessitating immediate clearance operations.
Authorities, including the Shimoga District Collector, swiftly responded by implementing a vehicular movement ban at Agumbe Ghat to ensure public safety. This precautionary measure aims to prevent mishaps as efforts to clear debris and assess the ghat’s stability are underway.
In response to the road closure, traffic bound for Udupi has been rerouted via Hulikal Ghat to facilitate smooth vehicle movement and minimize travel disruptions. Agumbe Ghat, renowned for its scenic route through the Western Ghats, faces recurring challenges during the monsoon due to its geographical terrain and heavy rainfall typical of the region.
Meanwhile, in Uttara Kannada district, incessant rainfall caused a hill collapse near Gokarna’s Tarimakki Government School in Kumta taluk. This event triggered a mudslide, significantly impacting local traffic. Authorities from the Gokarna police station are actively involved in clearing the debris to restore normal traffic flow.
These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges posed by the monsoon season in Karnataka’s Malnad region, necessitating vigilant monitoring and prompt response measures.