Landslide in Odisha’s Ganjam leaves 12 missing as rains persist

A landslide triggered by heavy rain associated with Cyclone Arnab struck the hilltop hamlet of Gidipabali in Odisha’s Ganjam district, leaving at least 12 people missing, officials said.

Rescue operations involve more than 170 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, fire services and the Special Operation Group of the state police, with one survivor already taken to a relief shelter.

The incident follows recent flood-related deaths in nearby districts, with nearly 40,000 people sheltering in 367 camps and over 130,000 affected across Ganjam and Gajapati, according to the state relief commissioner.

Authorities report that floodwaters are receding, electricity has been restored to 80% of the area and drinking water supply is being reinstated, while communication remains disrupted in one village where aid is being airdropped.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a bulletin warning of a low‑pressure area that could develop into a cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal later this week, potentially adding further risk to the region.