Bhubaneswar, November 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Rescue teams recovered five more bodies, including those of three children, from beneath the debris at Gidipabali village in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Thursday, as operations continued following a massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab.
The five victims were identified by their family members as Aruna Pradhan (7), Bhumika Pradhan (27), Bijaya Pradhan (25), Bagri Pradhan (1) and Bijayalaxmi Pradhan (6).
According to the state government, the recovery followed sustained efforts by district administration officials and rescue personnel to clear the massive accumulation of mud and debris at the site.
The families decided to perform the last rites at the accident site itself. The administration provided the necessary assistance, the government said, adding that it stood with the bereaved families during the difficult period.
Special teams from the district administration, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services remain deployed to locate and recover those still missing.
Two bodies had also been recovered during search operations a few days earlier.
The landslide struck the hilltop hamlet on October 28, following exceptionally heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab. Around 13 people were initially reported missing after the hillside gave way, sending thick layers of mud and massive boulders crashing into houses.
The settlement was home to approximately 25 people. The scale of the debris has made rescue work particularly challenging, as some boulders are reportedly as large as houses and cannot be shifted until suitable removal measures are undertaken.
Rescue teams continue efforts to clear the site and search for the remaining missing persons.
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