- 250 rescue personnel and 100 laborers deployed
- The search for those trapped under the debris continues
- The challenge of removing stones as big as a house
Rescue operations are underway to search for the citizens trapped under the debris due to the landslide in Bhanjanagar area of Odisha's Ganjam district. It is possible that some people are alive under the debris and sophisticated equipment is being used to search for them. Despite bad weather, rescue teams continued the operation throughout the day and late into the night on Monday. Rescue operations were resumed on Tuesday morning.
Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari while informing about the rescue operation expressed hope that the missing persons will be safe. He said that modern and advanced equipment is being used to search for signs of life under the debris. He also mentioned that he is praying to Mahaprabhu Jagannath for early finding of the missing citizens and their safe release.
The challenge of removing stones as big as a house
According to Odisha Fire Service and Home Guard Director General Sudhanshu Sarangi, a rescue operation is underway in Bhanjnagar sub-division of Ganjam district. However, one has to use the route from the side of Kandhamal district to reach the incident site.
Landslides have caused large layers of soil and huge boulders to fall on the houses. Some stones are as big as houses and cannot be removed directly. It has also become difficult to remove the mud without removing these stones.
The road leading to the spot is narrow and muddy and difficult even on foot. Hence, the rescue teams are taking a long time to reach the spot. As there is no proper arrangement for the stay of the teams, they have to return after working for a limited time.
Cyclone Murasu: Cyclone 'Murasu' devastation! Winds of 110 kmph in Andhra Pradesh, floods in many districts
250 rescue personnel, 100 laborers deployed
Around 250 personnel from various agencies including fire service, railway staff, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Odisha Police and teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are deployed at the spot for rescue operations. They are getting help from around 100 labourers.
In this accident, one body has been recovered so far and his family members have confirmed his identity. Cremation was also performed as per the request of the family. Another body has been found, but it has not yet been exhumed due to a large amount of mud.
Meanwhile, rescue teams are searching for more survivors under the debris. Sarangi explained that further information will be given according to the progress of rescue work.
After 'Arnab', now another cyclone crisis; The weather will change, there will be heavy rain
A terrible landslide took place on October 28
A massive landslide occurred in Gidipabali village of Odisha's Ganjam district on October 28 in the wake of unusual rainfall caused by Cyclone 'Arnab'. About 13 people were reported missing after the accident. Rescue teams are making desperate efforts to find them.