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Madikeri, Aug 7: Two days after massive landslides triggered by heavy downpour in Kodagu, five people including a priest are still missing. 

The landslide, which originating at Brahmagiri Hills in Talacauvery, swept away two houses on Wednesday night.

This missing people are: Talacauvery temple chief Narayana Achar (70), his wife Shantha (70), brother Ananda Theertha Swami (87) and two assistants — Ravi Kiran (26) and Srinivas (30). Achar’s neighbour had shifted out of Bhagamandala earlier, fearing a landslide. 

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had to stop rescue operations due to bad weather. The operations resumed today. 

“There are many minor landslides on the way to the spot,” said Kodagu Deputy Commissioner C Annies K Joy, adding that the flood situation at Bhagamandala was not permitting earthmovers to reach the spot. Heavy rain between Wednesday and Thursday triggered landslides. 

Bhagamandala Panchayat Development Officer Ashok said a notice was issued to the priest’s family to shift out of the house, but they chose to stay back. 

On Thursday morning, when the Talacauvery temple staff went to check on Narayana Achar, as he had not reached the temple for the daily puja, they found levelled land and debris where Achar’s house stood. Utensils, puja material and clothes were found nearly 2 km away at Cherangala. 

As rains continued over the last few days, many rivers are flowing above the danger levels, forcing people to move to safer places.

 Responding to the situation, which is turning grimmer by the day, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who is currently undergoing treatment in a private hospital after testing positive for Covid-19, directed ministers to visit rain-hit areas and supervise relief efforts. He has also assured of providing required financial assistance for those affected.

Mangaluru, Aug 7: Following the incessant rain for last few days and subsequent landslides reported at various places along Charmadi Ghat, the movement of vehicles been banned for two days. 

Charmadi Ghat road connects Dakshina Kannada and Chikkamagaluru districts on National Highway-73. The fresh landslides caused cracks on the road and uprooted many trees. 
Officials have closed Charmadi as well as Kottigehara check posts as a precautionary measure.

Belthangady tahsildar Mahesh J confirmed that multiple landslides have hit Charmadi Ghat road.

"The road has been closed for vehicular movement as the officials are at the spot to clear landslide debris. As a precautionary measure, vehicular movement has been banned as there are chances of further landslides," he said.

Hundreds of commuters who were stuck on various stretches of the ghat following a landslide between Maleyamaruta and Alekan falls in Chikkamagaluru district have been rescued.