Cyclone Arnab Aftermath: Landslide in Ganjam, Over 10 Feared Missing; 57 Rescued

Brahmapur, Oct 31: More than 10 people are feared missing after a massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall following Cyclone Arnab struck Gidipabali village along the Ganjam-Kandhamal border in Odisha. Rescue teams have so far evacuated 57 people from two affected villages and shifted them to a relief centre for medical assistance.

The landslide reportedly occurred around 2 am when a portion of a nearby hill collapsed, burying parts of the village under mud and debris. Several houses are feared to have been damaged, with residents reportedly trapped beneath the rubble.

According to local accounts, several villagers managed to escape after noticing signs of the hill collapse. However, more than 10 people remain unaccounted for. In one instance, a woman reportedly escaped with her two children, while her husband remains missing.

Some survivors reportedly trekked through forest routes for nearly two days before reaching Sipaiju village in neighbouring Kandhamal district.

Following information about the disaster, Fire Services personnel approached the affected area from the Kandhamal side and launched rescue operations amid challenging conditions. So far, 57 people from two villages have been rescued.

The rescued villagers have been shifted to Khilapanga village, where health check-ups and medical assistance are being provided. Local administration and health department officials have also reached the area to oversee relief operations.

Meanwhile, search and rescue efforts are continuing amid fears that several people may still be trapped under the debris.