Gajapati district has borne the brunt of relentless heavy rains triggered by a low-pressure system, leading to multiple landslides across the region.
The downpours have claimed two lives, with authorities scrambling to restore normalcy amid flood-like conditions and widespread disruptions.
The victims have been identified as Trinath Nayak from Bastriguda Panchayat and Lakshman Nayak from Meripli Panchayat. In the wake of the tragedy, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the bereaved families from the State Disaster Management Authority. Expressing deep anguish over the incident, Majhi directed immediate relief measures and expedited rescue operations in the district.
Acting on the Chief Minister’s instructions, Mining and Steel Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena arrived at the affected sites late Thursday night. He engaged with local villagers, assessed the ground situation, and coordinated ongoing relief efforts. “The situation is grave, but we are leaving no stone unturned to support the affected families and restore access,” Jena stated during his visit.
The torrential rains have not only triggered landslides but also caused roads, bridges, and culverts to be washed away, severely hampering connectivity. Several areas report loss of crops, livestock, and property, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. In Rayagada block under the district, two individuals went missing while returning from their farmlands in Pekat village of Marlba Panchayat after a hillside collapsed and swept into a nearby stream. Upon receiving reports, the Chief Minister held discussions with the District Collector and instructed Minister Jena to oversee immediate assistance and on-site evaluations.
Additionally, tourists stranded at Mahendragiri due to the landslides were successfully rescued and relocated to safe zones. Minister Jena personally interacted with the evacuees to ensure their well-being and gather feedback on relief needs.
Authorities continue round-the-clock monitoring, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration deployed for search and rescue. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy showers, urging residents to stay vigilant and avoid vulnerable areas.
This disaster underscores the recurring vulnerability of Odisha’s hilly terrains to monsoon fury, prompting calls for enhanced early warning systems and infrastructure resilience.
