Cyclone Arnab death toll reaches six in Odisha
Two bodies were found in a landslide-hit village as search operations continue for 10 missing people.
The death toll from Cyclone Arnab in Odisha rose to six on Sunday, according to ThePrint. This follows the discovery of two bodies in Gidipabali, a hilltop village located on the border of the Kandhamal and Ganjam districts.
The village, which was home to approximately 26 people, was hit by a landslide caused by heavy rainfall earlier this week. Sludge and debris from the hills levelled houses and caused the village to disappear from the map.
Kandhamal District Collector Vedbhusan stated that at least 13 people who escaped the landslide are staying at a relief centre near G Udaygiri. State Fire Service Director General Sudhanshu Sarangi said the search for 10 missing persons will continue until Tuesday.
A total of 177 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, Fire Service, Special Operation Group, railways, and the Indian Navy are searching the area. Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil said teams are using a seismic life detection unit and a railway chain pulley system for evacuations.
The state has recorded around 10 landslide incidents due to the rain from the cyclone, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28. Earlier deaths included three family members in a Kandhamal landslide and one man swept away in Gajapati district.