Heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab has caused landslides and flooding in several parts of Odisha, leaving 12 people missing in Ganjam district and claiming three lives, including a nine-month-old baby, in neighbouring Kandhamal district.
12 People Missing in Ganjam
In a major development, 12 people have reportedly gone missing following a landslide in Gidipabali village under Baibali Gram Panchayat in the remote areas of Bhanjanagar block in Ganjam district.
According to preliminary information, continuous rainfall under the influence of Cyclone Arnab triggered the landslide in the village. The incident reportedly left 12 people missing, although their identities and the circumstances surrounding their disappearance are yet to be confirmed.
Bhanjanagar Sub-Collector Umashankar Behera said the administration had received information about the missing persons from the Block Development Officer (BDO).
“We have received information from the BDO that 12 people are missing. We are investigating how and under what circumstances so many people went missing,” Behera said.
However, flooding and the landslide have reportedly prevented the administration from reaching the affected area. Local residents have urged the authorities to reach the village and launch rescue operations as soon as possible.
The identities of the 12 missing people have not yet been officially confirmed.
Three of a Family Killed in Kandhamal Landslide
Meanwhile, a devastating landslide in Malaguda under Manikeswari Gram Panchayat in Raikia block of Kandhamal district has claimed the lives of a couple and their nine-month-old son.
The deceased have been identified as Achyuta Pradhan, his wife Anisha Pradhan, also known as Manasi, and their infant son. The family belonged to Dangesi village in Raikia block.
According to reports, the couple and their child had been missing since Thursday after the landslide struck the area. Their deaths were confirmed on Friday by Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Ravi Narayan Nayak.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, the minister said the loss of three members of a single family was deeply saddening. He also stated that the landslide had caused severe disruption in the village, with a river-like flow of water reportedly forming in the affected area.
The administration has rescued two people, identified as Sumitra Pradhan and Datta Pradhan, from the landslide-hit location.
Following the incident, the Kandhamal Collector, Superintendent of Police and other senior administrative and police officials reached the village to assess the situation and oversee the response.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.
With heavy rainfall continuing to pose challenges in the affected areas, rescue and relief efforts remain a major concern for the authorities. The situation in Ganjam and Kandhamal is being closely monitored as officials work to assess the damage and respond to the emergencies.