Bhubaneswar: Multi-agency search and rescue operations at the Gidipabali landslide site in Odisha’s Ganjam district were suspended on Wednesday due to adverse weather conditions, even as families of those missing in the disaster sought to perform their last rites.
Only two bodies have so far been recovered from the landslide site in Bhanjanagar block since Saturday. No missing person could be traced on the fourth day of the operation on Tuesday. Rescue efforts to trace ten other missing persons were severely hampered by heavy boulders, massive piles of soil and mud, and unfavourable weather conditions.
The decision was taken after the Collectors of Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, along with the Kandhamal Superintendent of Police (SP), visited nine affected families at a relief camp in Kilapanga on Tuesday.
Announcing the suspension of the operation, Ganjam Collector V Keerthi Vasan cited the possibility of further rainfall and fresh landslides in the hilly region. The situation would be reviewed before any decision is taken on resuming the operation, as continuing the rescue work could put the lives of rescue personnel and other officials at risk, he said.
Representatives of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire Service, Railways and other departments were also present at the meeting. They discussed the progress of the rescue operation, possible future risks and the steps to be taken in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the administration has discussed with the families of the 11 missing persons the possibility of performing symbolic last rites for them on Wednesday, as their bodies have not been recovered.
The administration assured the families of all possible assistance in conducting the rituals and helping them rebuild their lives.
Rescue operations at the landslide site encountered significant challenges despite several measures undertaken over the past few days.
Life-detection machines, dog squads, experts from IIT, NDRF personnel and railway teams were deployed to locate those trapped under the debris. Controlled blasting was also carried out as part of the rescue efforts.
However, experts have assessed that at least 30 feet of debris remains at the site. The accumulation of debris, coupled with at least three successive landslides in the area, has made further excavation extremely difficult, officials said, adding that additional blasting could trigger fresh landslides and endanger the lives of rescue personnel.
The Ganjam Collector also said temporary accommodation would be arranged for families willing to settle in Ganjam district. The administration would subsequently make arrangements for constructing houses for them.