Brahmapur: Search and rescue operations at landslide-hit Gidipabali village in Odisha’s Ganjam district have been suspended from Monday, following written requests from the families of the missing persons.
Of the 13 people who went missing after the landslide on October 28, bodies of seven have been recovered so far, while six remain untraced.
According to sources, families of the missing persons submitted written applications to the district administration urging it to stop the search operation. They stated that their family members and houses are buried under nearly 30 feet of debris and massive rocks, making recovery extremely difficult.
Urging the administration to focus on their rehabilitation, the affected persons said they cannot live in temporary shelters for long and the authorities need to take steps for providing them with land for relocation and assistance to rebuild their lives.
It may be noted that tragedy struck Gidipabali village under Baibali panchayat under Bhanjanagar block, near the Ganjam-Kandhamala border early on October 28. Heavy rain triggered by cyclone Arnab led to a massive landslide, with mud, boulders, uprooted trees and water rolling down the hillside and burying several houses while residents were asleep.
Over 100 personnel were deployed for the rescue operation, but efforts were hampered by huge boulders, difficult terrain and lack of road connectivity that prevented heavy machinery from reaching the spot. Despite sustained efforts for days, only five bodies could be retrieved.
With suspension of search operation, the affected families are waiting for long-term support and rehabilitation from the government.