Rescue operation halted at landslide-hit Odisha village due to weather
Families of 10 missing villagers prepare for final rituals as search efforts in Gidipabali face significant challenges.
The search and rescue operation at Gidipabali village in south Odisha was suspended on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, because of bad weather, according to The Hindu. The operation aimed to find 10 villagers missing after a landslide in the remote hilltop village located on the Kandhamal-Ganjam district border.
Kandhamal District Collector Vedbhusan said the decision to pause the work followed an assessment by experts that remains could be buried under almost 30 feet of debris. He noted that three successive landslides in the area make removal difficult and that further blasting might cause new landslides or endanger rescue workers.
The landslide was triggered by heavy rains from Cyclone Arnab. While 13 residents escaped on the night of October 29, officials have recovered the bodies of Salman Pradhan, 29, and Rabi Mallick, 52, from the upper layers of debris.
Collector Vedbhusan stated that the families of the missing requested assistance to perform final rituals and find closure. He said the administration has promised support to help the families restart their lives.
The remote location lacks access roads, making it difficult to transport heavy machinery like cranes or earthmovers to the site. Officials suggested that equipment might need to be airdropped to reach the area.
The government intends to make one more final attempt to search the site once the weather stays clear for a couple of days, as per the wishes of the families.