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The devastating landslide in Shirur, Uttara Kannada, India, continues to grip the nation with the ongoing search for missing truck driver, Arjun Mooladikuzhiyil. Five days after the incident, authorities are battling heavy rain and treacherous terrain in their efforts to locate Arjun and others who went missing on July 16th. The search, utilizing equipment like ground penetrating radar and metal detectors, has so far yielded seven bodies, leaving the families of the missing, including Arjun's, in a state of despair and growing frustration.
Arjun's relatives have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the search efforts conducted by state authorities, deeming them ineffective. They have appealed for the intervention of the Army, believing it possesses the necessary expertise and resources to effectively navigate the challenging terrain and expedite the search. Arjun's sister, Abhirami, has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, urging them to prioritize the involvement of the Army or, at the very least, allow Kerala-based rescue teams to participate in the operation. The family has also highlighted concerns regarding the treatment of one of the truck owners by Karnataka police, alleging an incident where he was manhandled while accompanied by a Kerala-based rescue worker.
The lack of transparency surrounding the search efforts has also fuelled growing anxieties among Arjun's relatives. Despite the recovery of bodies and vehicles, authorities have been tight-lipped about the progress and updates on the search. The lack of communication has led to a sense of frustration and distrust among the family, who insist that the search should not be halted until Arjun's whereabouts are determined. The residents of Kannadikkal, Arjun's hometown, expressed their anger and frustration with the Karnataka government's response by staging a protest on Saturday night. They blocked the road, cutting across political lines, after hearing news that search operations were being suspended due to inclement weather. The protest serves as a powerful testament to the collective grief and anger felt by the community and highlights the need for a more transparent and effective response from the authorities.
This tragic incident has brought to light the vulnerability of individuals and communities to natural disasters and the critical need for effective and collaborative emergency response systems. The delayed response, lack of transparency, and allegations of mistreatment by authorities have further exacerbated the anxieties and frustrations of the affected families. As the search continues, it is crucial for the authorities to prioritize the families' concerns, ensure a transparent and effective search operation, and provide adequate support to those impacted by this devastating event.
Source: Shirur landslide: Five days on, search continues for Arjun in Kerala