Grief in Mangaluru: House Collapse Kills Grandmother and Two Children in Montepadav Kodi, Mother Survives 9-Hour Ordeal

Mangaluru | May 30, 2025 —
In a heart-wrenching tragedy that highlights the ferocity of pre-monsoon rains in coastal Karnataka, a house in Montepadav Kodi near Derala Katte, Mangaluru collapsed early Thursday morning, claiming the lives of a grandmother and her two young grandchildren. A massive landslip involving nearly 30 feet of earth and a fallen tree buried the residence of Kanthappa Poojary, around 4:00 a.m., while the family slept inside.

Only one person survived the catastrophic collapse—Ashwini, a mother who was trapped under debris for nearly nine hours before being rescued and rushed to the hospital. She is now undergoing treatment, with doctors describing her condition as critical but stable.

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The Victims and Their Stories

Three members of the Poojary family lost their lives in the disaster:

• Prema (54), the grandmother

• Aryan (3), Ashwini’s elder son

• Aarush (2), Ashwini’s younger son

According to local authorities and eyewitnesses, the house collapsed when a large tree, weakened by prolonged rain, fell onto an already loose patch of hillside, causing tons of soil to crash through the rear of the home. The victims were buried under a mixture of earth, broken wood, and debris.

Despite valiant efforts by villagers and emergency teams, young Aarush could not be revived after being pulled out of the wreckage. Medical responders stated he had no signs of life upon arrival.

“It was horrifying. We could hear the mother’s faint cries under the rubble while we dug with bare hands and crowbars,” said Ramesh Gowda, a local who was among the first responders.

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A Night of Rain Becomes a Morning of Mourning

The Montepadav Kodi area had received over 130 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, according to IMD data. The location, a semi-rural hillside settlement, is prone to erosion and tree falls during heavy monsoon spells.

“This is not just an isolated landslide—it is a warning signal,” said Dr. K.C. Mohan, a geotechnical expert. “With unregulated construction and deforestation, the soil is no longer stable.”

Locals reported that the family had only recently completed minor repairs to the structure, unaware that the adjacent hill had become unstable due to the deluge.

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The Rescue Operation

The rescue was led by Dakshina Kannada Fire and Emergency Services, supported by local villagers, taluk officials, and members of the Puttur division disaster response team.

What made the operation more urgent was the discovery of Ashwini alive under the debris, after almost nine hours in cramped, muddy conditions. Oxygen and glucose were administered on-site before she was transported to a Mangaluru hospital.

“We found her curled next to a wooden beam that had miraculously shielded her torso,” said Rajendra Salian, a rescue team leader. “She kept asking about her children even when she was barely conscious.”

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Officials Respond: Disaster Zones and Compensation

Karnataka’s Revenue Minister, in coordination with local MLA U.T. Khader, visited the site and declared the area as a “temporary red zone”, restricting access and advising residents in nearby homes to relocate.

• A compensation package of ₹5 lakh for each deceased family member has been announced.

• Free medical care for Ashwini and trauma counselling for survivors have been assured.

• A survey of slope-vulnerable households in the region is being fast-tracked by the district administration.

“This is a human tragedy rooted in natural fury and administrative gaps. We will not let it happen again,” said Deputy Commissioner Dr. M.P. Mullai Muhilan.

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A Community in Shock, A Mother in Grief

As rituals begin for those lost, the entire village of Andepuni and Montepadav Kodi mourns with the Poojary family. Shops remained shut, and a candlelight vigil is planned for the evening.

Ashwini, now fighting for her life in a Mangaluru ICU, is unaware that her two sons are gone. Hospital officials are awaiting clearance from her family and psychologists before breaking the news.

“How will she survive this truth? She lived to save them, and now she has to live without them,” murmured one of the rescue volunteers, his voice breaking.

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Conclusion: More Than Just a Rain Tragedy

This is not just the story of a house collapse—it is a story of vulnerability, bravery, and the devastating cost of climate change meeting poor preparedness.

With heavy rain forecasts still in place for the Dakshina Kannada region, the tragedy in Montepadav Kodi serves as a stark reminder: when nature strikes, timely action, planning, and community solidarity are the only defense.