Heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides have triggered a critical situation in Odisha, claiming four lives so far, according to the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).
A major landslide in Kandhamal district's Raikia area resulted in three deaths, while one person was swept away by floodwaters in Gajapati district. Meanwhile, a severe landslide in Ganjam district’s Bhanjanagar (Gidipabali area) left 13 people feared buried under debris. Rescue teams successfully pulled an elderly woman, Tarabati Pradhan, alive from the mud, with search operations ongoing for the remaining missing individuals.
ODRAF and Fire Services personnel are spearheading intensive rescue and relief operations. Ganjam is facing severe flood-like conditions with the Rushikulya River running below the danger mark; 367 relief camps are currently sheltering displaced residents. With most regional connectivity restored, air-dropping of supplies is being arranged for one isolated village.
In Gajapati district, 21,782 people have been impacted, supported by 340 active relief camps delivering food, medical aid, and essentials. The administration continues to closely monitor the state-wide crisis.