Gidipabali Landslide: Rescue Operation Suspended Indefinitely, 11 Feared Dead

Bhubaneswar: Hopes of rescuing 11 people missing after a massive landslide buried Gidipabali village in Odisha’s Ganjam district have faded, with the administration suspending search operations indefinitely due to adverse weather and safety concerns.

Only two bodies have been recovered since Saturday, while no bodies were retrieved on the fourth day of the operation on Tuesday. Heavy boulders, heaps of mud and soil, and the threat of further landslides hampered rescue efforts.Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan said the operation had been suspended in view of possible rainfall and fresh landslides. The situation will be reviewed before deciding on its resumption, as continuing the operation could endanger rescue personnel.

A meeting involving officials from Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, along with NDRF, ODRAF, Fire Services and other agencies, was held at Kilipanga relief camp to review the situation and discuss further measures.

Meanwhile, the administration has discussed with the families of the 11 missing persons the possibility of performing symbolic last rites on Wednesday. It has also assured temporary accommodation and housing assistance to families willing to relocate to Ganjam district.

More than 150 locals had reached the landslide site on Tuesday to assist in the rescue operation but returned after being informed that the search could not continue under the prevailing conditions.