Rescue efforts on even as 10 remain missing in Odisha landslide
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Armed forces personnel load food packets and essential relief materials into an Indian Navy helicopter at Gopalpur Military Station for airdropping operations across flood-affected areas of Ganjam district, Odisha, on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI
Ten residents of Gidipabali village in Odisha’s Ganjam district remained missing after their homes were buried under landslide debris, even as over 100 disaster response personnel worked relentlessly to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with 34 personnel and two sniffer dogs, Rocky and Vicky, and 35 personnel from the State Fire Services, accompanied by a sniffer dog named Sultan, have been making strenuous efforts to locate survivors trapped beneath the debris.
Meanwhile, 42 personnel of the Special Operations Group (SoG) have been deployed to provide security to the rescue teams, while 15 personnel of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) are also engaged in the rescue operation. Local workers are assisting the teams in clearing the debris and searching for survivors.
“With coordinated efforts from various departments, the use of advanced search equipment and support from local people, the search and rescue operations continue at the Gidipabali landslide site,” the State government said.
The landslide reportedly struck Gidipabali village on October 28, 2026, but the Ganjam district administration was informed of the incident only on October 30. Located in a remote area under the Bhanjanagar block of Ganjam district, the village has no road connectivity.
A senior government officer said rescue personnel had to negotiate nearly three km of muddy terrain to reach the village, overcoming significant logistical challenges. Of the 25 residents of Gidipabali, 13 managed to escape the landslide, while the remaining 12 were buried under the debris. So far, the bodies of two victims have been located.
According to sources, the disaster response force personnel almost lost hopes of rescuing villagers alive as six days had already elapsed.
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