Ganjam/Kandhamal, Odisha: A massive landslide triggered by continuous rainfall under the influence of Cyclone Arnab has devastated a village near the Ganjam-Kandhamal border, leaving several people missing and causing extensive damage to homes.
Huge amounts of mud, rocks, boulders and uprooted trees reportedly came crashing down from a nearby hillside, burying houses and surrounding areas under debris. As many as 13 people are feared missing following the incident, while search and rescue operations are underway.
The disaster has left residents in distress, with several survivors taking shelter at a temporary relief centre in Kilapanga village.
Landslide Buries Houses Under Mud and Rocks
The landslide reportedly occurred during the early hours of Wednesday, October 28, when residents were inside their homes. A large mass of mud, stones, water and uprooted trees suddenly came down from the hillside, sweeping through the settlement.
The affected area includes Gidipabali village under Baibali Gram Panchayat in Bhanjanagar block of Ganjam district.
Several houses were reportedly buried or damaged by the falling debris. The sudden nature of the landslide left residents with little time to escape.
13 People Feared Missing as Search Continues
According to preliminary reports, 13 people from the affected settlement remain unaccounted for. Local administrations and police teams have initiated search and rescue operations to trace the missing residents.
Some villagers reportedly managed to escape the landslide, while others were rescued from the affected area. Two injured women were also taken to a nearby health centre for medical treatment.
The search operation is challenging because of the difficult terrain, accumulated debris and continuing weather-related disruptions.
Survivors Take Shelter at Kilapanga Relief Centre
Several survivors have taken shelter at a temporary relief centre set up at Kilapanga Primary School under Katingia Panchayat.
After losing their homes and belongings, affected residents have been moved to safer locations. The relief centre is providing temporary shelter while authorities continue efforts to locate the missing people and assess the damage.
The incident has left families worried about relatives who have not yet been traced.
Ganjam and Kandhamal Administrations Intensify Rescue Efforts
The administrations of Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, along with the Baliguda administration, are involved in the ongoing rescue operation.
Police and local officials are coordinating efforts to search the debris-covered areas and gather information about the missing villagers.
Bhanjanagar Sub-Collector Umashankar Behera has confirmed the incident and said efforts are underway to locate those who remain missing. Ganjam Police have also stated that the search operation is continuing.
Cyclone Arnab Rains Trigger Landslides in Southern Odisha
The tragedy comes amid widespread disruption across southern Odisha following heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab.
Several areas of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts have experienced flooding, landslides and damage to road connectivity. Continuous rainfall has also increased the risk of further slope failures in vulnerable hilly areas.
Authorities are continuing relief and rescue operations as affected families await assistance and updates about their missing relatives.
Search Operation Remains the Priority
The immediate priority is to locate the missing villagers, provide assistance to survivors and ensure that people living in vulnerable locations are moved to safer areas.
The landslide has once again highlighted the risks faced by communities living near hillsides during periods of prolonged heavy rainfall. Further official updates are awaited as rescue teams continue their search.
