Ganjam Landslide: 12 Missing as Cyclone Arnab Triggers Disaster
Rescue operations intensify in Odisha's Ganjam district after a landslide triggered by Cyclone Arnab left 12 people missing in Gidipabali village.
A massive landslide has struck Gidipabali village in the Bhanjanagar area of Odisha's Ganjam district, leaving 12 people missing. The catastrophe was triggered by torrential rainfall brought on by Cyclone Arnab, turning a natural disaster into a race against time for rescue teams.
Intensive Search and Rescue Operations
Ganjam District Collector V Keerthi Vasan informed the media that the district administration has scaled up rescue, evacuation, and relief efforts across several flood-hit regions. The search for the 12 missing residents of Gidipabali village, located within the Baibali Panchayat of the Bhanjanagar block, is currently the primary focus of a massive operation.
To locate the missing persons, a powerhouse of personnel has been deployed, including over 140 members from various agencies:
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- Odisha State Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF)
- Fire Services and Firefighters
- Special Operation Group (SOG)
- Local Police
In a bid to penetrate the debris and locate survivors, the administration is bringing in advanced technology. The Collector confirmed that a Navy helicopter and Live SEISMIC Detection Devices from both the Navy and the Railways are being deployed to the site to aid the search.
District-Wide Emergency Response
Beyond the landslide, the region is grappling with rising river levels and flooding. Special attention is being directed toward people stranded in low-lying villages. The administration has ensured that essential food supplies and clean drinking water are being provided to those affected.
To strengthen flood management, the Housing & Urban Development Department has seconded 10 high-ranking officials to the Ganjam Collector. This team includes Assistant Commissioners, Executive Officers, and Engineers from various municipalities, including Bhubaneswar (BMC), Cuttack (KMC), and others such as Khandapada, Odagaon, and Dasapalla.
Prioritizing Health and Sanitation
With the threat of waterborne diseases looming after the floods, teams from WATCO and PHEO have been tasked with supervising sanitation and drinking water supplies. The government has ordered the thorough cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization of all community water sources to prevent health outbreaks.
Educational Institutions Closed
Due to the ongoing threat of heavy rainfall and to ensure the safety of students, the district administration has announced the closure of all educational institutions in Ganjam. This includes:
- Anganwadi centers
- Schools
- Degree colleges
- Technical institutions and universities
These institutions will remain closed until November 3, 2026, although teachers and staff are required to remain on duty.
"The administration is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with various departments to ensure the safety of people and the speedy restoration of essential services," stated Collector V Keerthi Vasan, who urged the public to remain alert and follow official instructions.