Udupi: Continuous monsoon rain has raised serious concerns in Karkala taluk of Udupi district, where a large hillside in Hedme area of Renjala village has become unstable, prompting authorities to advise families living below the slope to evacuate as a precaution.
The hillside, spread across nearly two acres, has reportedly developed deep cracks following incessant rainfall over the past week. Loose soil, boulders and uprooted trees have been sliding down the slope, raising fears that a larger section of the hill could collapse if the rain continues.
The situation has left residents living at the foothill anxious, with three houses located directly in the vulnerable zone.
Cracks appear across hillside
The landslide activity was first noticed near the residence of Hariprasad in Hedme. Since then, residents have reportedly observed continuous movement of soil and rocks along the hillside.
The condition became more alarming following torrential overnight rain, when a large boulder reportedly came crashing down the slope.
Residents said the movement of rocks and soil has continued, with sounds from the hillside becoming a regular source of concern. People living in the area have reportedly been rushing out of their homes whenever they hear the slope rumbling, fearing that a larger collapse could follow.
The appearance of cracks across the hillside has added to concerns that the slope may no longer be stable enough to withstand further heavy rainfall.
Three houses in vulnerable zone
The unstable hillside poses an immediate risk to three houses located at its base.
Following an inspection of the affected area, the Tahsildar and other district administration officials advised the occupants of the vulnerable houses to move to safer locations.
The precautionary evacuation advice comes amid fears that continued rainfall could further weaken the hillside and cause a major landslide.
Residents have already begun taking precautions on their own. Some families have reportedly shifted important documents, household belongings and livestock to safer places in anticipation of a possible evacuation.
However, affected families said they face uncertainty over where they can relocate, particularly with children and other household members to consider.
Residents seek rehabilitation support
While residents understand the need to move away from the dangerous slope, they have raised concerns about the lack of proper rehabilitation arrangements.
Affected families have questioned where they should go if they are required to leave their homes immediately. They have sought temporary accommodation and basic facilities so that they can remain in a safe location until the danger passes.
The uncertainty has added to the anxiety in the neighbourhood, particularly as the monsoon is continuing to bring heavy rain to the region.
Residents have urged the district administration to provide immediate assistance to families living in the danger zone and make arrangements for temporary shelter wherever required.
Demand for technical assessment
Residents have also called for a comprehensive technical survey of the hillside to determine the extent of the danger.
They have sought a scientific assessment of the cracks, soil movement and stability of the slope so that authorities can identify the complete risk zone and determine which houses and areas could be affected if a major landslide occurs.
According to residents, simply asking families to evacuate may not be sufficient unless safe alternative arrangements are made and the entire vulnerable area is assessed.
They have urged officials to deploy technical experts to examine the hillside and recommend appropriate preventive measures.
Fear of larger landslide
The continuing movement of soil and rocks has heightened fears that the situation could worsen if heavy rainfall persists.
Residents have compared their concerns with the devastating landslides witnessed in Wayanad, Kerala, last year, where large-scale slope failures caused extensive loss of life and damage to communities.
While the present situation may not necessarily result in a disaster of the same scale, residents say the warning signs emerging at Hedme should not be ignored.
The combination of prolonged rainfall, deep cracks, loose earth, falling boulders and uprooted trees has created conditions that require close monitoring.
Rain keeps residents on alert
For families living below the hillside, every spell of heavy rain now brings renewed fear.
Residents said they remain alert to sounds of rocks falling from the slope and are prepared to leave their homes if the situation deteriorates. The presence of children, livestock and household belongings has made the possibility of sudden evacuation even more difficult for several families.
Residents have urged the administration to act before an emergency develops rather than waiting for a major landslide to occur.
They have sought immediate relocation of vulnerable families, temporary housing, financial assistance and other essential relief measures.
A detailed technical assessment could help authorities determine the extent of the danger and identify appropriate safety measures.
Administration faces urgent task
The developing situation at Hedme highlights the risks posed by unstable slopes during periods of intense monsoon rainfall in the coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka.
With three houses already identified as vulnerable and signs of continued movement on the hillside, timely intervention will be crucial. Authorities will need to balance the immediate need for evacuation with the longer-term requirement of rehabilitation and slope safety.
For residents, the priority is clear: they want their families moved to safe locations before the hillside becomes more unstable.
As the monsoon continues, the cracks spreading across the slope and the repeated movement of rocks remain warning signs that cannot be overlooked. A scientific assessment, timely evacuation and adequate rehabilitation support could help prevent the situation from turning into a larger disaster.