Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has instructed district administration authorities to continue search and rescue operations at the Gidipabali landslide site.
The decision comes as grieving family members began performing symbolic last rites for victims suspected to be buried under massive debris.
Over five days of continuous rescue operations, multi-agency teams utilised chain-pulling techniques and life-detection units to locate missing individuals. However, complete excavation has proven impossible due to massive boulders, unstable terrain, and heavy mud layers blocking access.
Expressing deep sympathy for affected families undertaking symbolic rituals, the Minister emphasised that official rescue efforts will not cease. Authorities continue to clear rocky terrain and deploy machinery to account for all missing persons trapped under the landslide.
