States » EastPosted at: Nov 1 2026 1:11AM


Cyclone-hit south Odisha simmers with public anger; 15 missing in landslide

Bhubaneswar, Oct 31 (UNI) With the post-disaster mitigation mechanism seemingly going awry and officials busy reeling out statistics on supposedly well-managed relief and rescue operations from the confines of air-conditioned chambers, public anger is mounting in cyclone-ravaged Ganjam and Gajapati districts of south Odisha, elected representatives are increasingly facing the wrath of distressed residents, while at least 15 people are reportedly missing after a massive landslide triggered a sudden surge of floodwater in Gidipabali village in Ganjam district.
Thousands of people are grappling with damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods and mounting hardships in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab. However, official claims about the success of relief and rescue operations have done little to assuage public resentment, with affected residents demanding urgent assistance and visible administrative intervention.
On Friday, Ministers Bibhuti Jena and Gokula Mallick faced angry residents at Hinjili. A similar situation reportedly unfolded today at Purushottampur, where Aska MLA Saroj Padhi and Khalikote MLA Purna Sethy encountered strong public resentment.
The protests have raised serious questions about the pace and effectiveness of relief and rehabilitation measures. People struggling to rebuild their homes and restore their livelihoods are demanding timely assistance, concrete administrative action and accountability rather than assurances and official statistics.
Meanwhile, the State Government has claimed that it is according top priority to public safety and relief operations. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the government has taken swift and coordinated measures to tackle the flood situation, a statement issued today said.
The government has deployed the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services personnel, evacuated affected people to safer locations and arranged aerial delivery of relief supplies to remote and inaccessible areas, the statement added.
In a separate incident, at least 15 people are feared missing after torrential rain triggered a massive landslide and flash flooding at Gidipabali village under Baibali Gram Panchayat within Bhanjanagar police station limits.
Preliminary reports suggest that heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas triggered a landslide stretching nearly three kilometres along the Kandhamal-Ganjam border, unleashing a sudden surge of floodwater that swept away several people.
Teams from the ODRAF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire Services, Special Operations Group (SOG) and police have been deployed for rescue operations. More than 100 personnel are reportedly engaged in the search, with the Ganjam and Kandhamal district administrations coordinating the efforts.
While some people managed to escape the surging waters, others are feared trapped in the affected area. Those rescued have been sheltered at Khilapanga, where they are undergoing medical examinations. Food and drinking water have also been arranged for them.
Bodies of some animals have reportedly been brought to safety, but no missing persons had been traced at the time of filing this report. Rescue teams continue to search the affected area. Further details are awaited. UNI MK SS
Tags: #Cyclone-hit south Odisha simmers with public anger; 15 missing in landslide
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