Odisha landslide: 10 missing as rescue teams continue search in remote Ganjam village

Rescue teams in Odisha's Ganjam district are continuing their search for 10 people who remain missing after a landslide buried homes in Gidipabali village, officials said. The village, under the Bhanjanagar block, is in a remote area with no road connectivity, complicating access and relief operations.

According to the State government, the landslide struck Gidipabali on October 28. The Ganjam district administration was informed on October 30. Of the 25 residents of the village, 13 escaped the landslide while 12 were buried under debris. The bodies of two victims have been recovered so far, leaving 10 unaccounted for. The village's small population means the landslide has affected a significant share of its residents.

More than 100 disaster response personnel are involved in the operation. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 34 personnel and two sniffer dogs, Rocky and Vicky. The State Fire Services has sent 35 personnel and a sniffer dog named Sultan. Fifteen personnel of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) are also taking part. In addition, 42 personnel of the Special Operations Group (SoG) have been deployed to provide security to the rescue teams. Local workers are assisting in clearing debris and searching for survivors.

The NDRF is a specialised central force deployed for disaster response, while the ODRAF is the State's rapid action unit. Both teams have been involved in similar search and rescue operations in Odisha in the past.

A senior government officer said rescue personnel had to negotiate nearly three kilometres of muddy terrain to reach the village, overcoming significant logistical challenges. The absence of road connectivity has slowed the movement of equipment and personnel, officials said. The lack of road access means equipment and supplies must be carried over the muddy terrain.

The State government said the search and rescue operation was being carried out with coordinated efforts from various departments, advanced search equipment and support from local people. “With coordinated efforts from various departments, the use of advanced search equipment and support from local people, the search and rescue operations continue at the Gidipabali landslide site,” the government said in a statement.

The operation has entered its sixth day. So far, the bodies of two victims have been recovered, and rescue teams are continuing to look for the 10 missing residents. Officials said the search would continue despite the difficult conditions in the remote village. Sniffer dogs are being used to detect signs of survivors beneath the rubble, while personnel clear debris in a phased manner.

The incident has drawn attention to access challenges in remote villages of Ganjam district, where poor road connectivity can delay rescue operations. Disaster response teams often have to walk long distances with equipment to reach affected communities. Local authorities are coordinating with rescue teams and providing support at the site.

Officials said the priority remained the search for the missing residents. The State government has not announced any change in the operation, and rescue personnel from multiple agencies are expected to remain at the site as long as the search continues.