Once a lively village filled with laughter and happiness, Gidipabali has now been reduced to a scene of devastation and silence. Huge mounds of mud, debris and rocks have swallowed almost the entire village following a massive landslide in Baibali Gram Panchayat under Bhanjanagar block of Odisha’s Ganjam district.
The tragedy has left families devastated, with 11 people still missing. As uncertainty continues over their fate, family members of the missing persons are preparing to perform symbolic last rites according to their tribal traditions.
On Wednesday, family members of the 11 missing persons will visit the landslide-hit site at Gidipabali from Kilapanga. Administrative officials and an Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team will accompany them.
As part of their traditional rituals, the families will perform prayers and offer new clothes, dhotis, flowers, liquor and a pig. They will also pay floral tributes to photographs of the 11 missing persons as part of the symbolic funeral ceremony.
Rescue Operation Temporarily Suspended
Meanwhile, the rescue operation at the landslide site has been suspended for the day. The search operation will resume once weather conditions improve, with a fresh ODRAF team expected to join the operation.
According to the District Collector, a decision on whether to conduct one final day of search operations will be taken after assessing the weather conditions.
Since the landslide occurred in three successive phases, there are fears that the missing persons may be trapped under more than 20 feet of soil and debris. Authorities have also decided against blasting the huge rocks at the site, as the use of explosives could trigger further landslides and put rescue personnel at risk.
The administration has assured all possible assistance to displaced families staying in temporary shelters so that they can observe their traditional customs and rituals.
12-15 Houses Wiped Out
According to local information, Gidipabali once had around 12 to 15 houses. However, almost all the houses have been completely buried under the massive landslide debris. Only one partially damaged mud-brick house is still standing, serving as a silent witness to the village’s destruction.
The village, which once echoed with everyday activities and the sounds of family life, now lies buried under layers of mud and rocks.
Even as the rescue operation remains uncertain, the families of the 11 missing persons continue to hold on to hope. The devastating landslide has destroyed homes and livelihoods, leaving behind painful memories and an entire village struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.