Bhubaneswar, November 2 (TNA) At least five people have died in separate landslide-related incidents in Odisha following torrential rain, while 10 others remain missing, officials said. The deaths occurred as the state continued to deal with the impact of Cyclone Arnab and prepared for another storm system, Cyclone Murasu, expected to bring further heavy rain to parts of the region.
The largest tragedy was reported from Gidipabali, a hamlet located along the Ganjam-Kandhamal border. Heavy rain triggered a landslide on October 28, sending mud and debris down the hillside and destroying homes.
Two additional bodies were recovered from the affected area on Sunday, raising the reported death toll from the incident. Rescue teams are continuing their search for 10 people who remain unaccounted for.
Officials said Cyclone Arnab and the flooding that followed affected around 1.18 lakh people across Odisha. More than 75,000 hectares of farmland were damaged, while 1,672 houses were reported to have suffered damage.
Relief and rescue teams have been deployed in the affected districts, with authorities focusing on locating missing residents, clearing blocked roads and providing assistance to displaced families.
Fresh Cyclone Threat
The state has also stepped up preparations for Cyclone Murasu, which is expected to intensify over the Bay of Bengal before moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3. Southern Odisha is under a heavy-rainfall alert as the system approaches.
Authorities have identified landslide-prone areas and begun precautionary measures, including evacuation planning and the deployment of emergency personnel. Residents in vulnerable locations have been advised to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local administrations.
The government has announced a special relief package for families affected by Cyclone Arnab, while search and rescue operations for the missing people remain underway.