Gajapati Landslide Mishap Victims Identified

Gajapati: The identify of 12 persons, who were killed in a landslide near Bharaghar village under Gangabada panchayat in Gajapati district on Friday night, was established on Saturday.

The mishap victims are Dandapani Bhuyan, Sumitra Bhuyan, Somnath Kathrein, Jagana Kathi, Minakshi Sabar, Dilli Sabar, Gangadhar Behera, Dinesh Bhuyan, Lalu Behera, Jayachandra Bhutan, Suramati Jani, and Champa Bhutan.

Among those killed are five children.

According to the sources, the villagers had taken shelter in a cave to escape the wrath of the very severe cyclonic storm Titli and were caught unawares when it caved in following the landslide.

Till reports last came in, four more persons of the village were still trapped under the debris. They have been identified as Kati Bhuyan, Basanti Bhuyan, Basumati Bhuyan and Biswambara Sabar.

Analyzing preliminary reports, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi today confirmed that the 12 persons had died in a landslide. A team has been sent to the spot to supervise the situation, he added.

“I have heard about the landslide. I am waiting for the detailed report. My deepest condolence to the families of those, who have perished in the tragic incident,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi also confirmed the news and directed Gajapati collector Anupam Saha to investigate the incident and submit a report at the earliest.