3 persons die in landslide as flood situation remains grim in Odisha

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Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi (left) taking an ariel survey of the flood affected areas marooned in the flash flood following Cyclone Arnab. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Three people were killed and several others went missing in a landslide in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, while the flood situation remained grim in Ganjam and Gajapati districts. The State government air-dropped relief materials in areas that remained cut off by floodwaters on Friday (October 30, 2026).

The landslide happened in Dangeshi village under Raikia block of Kandhamal district that left a couple and their nine-month-old dead. Some of the local villagers could not be traced following the incident.

Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Naik, who was monitoring the situation in Kandhamal, said, “The district administration has reached Dangeshi village and rescued many villagers. They were evacuated to a safer place. The landslide was reported for the first time around this village.”

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who carried out an aerial survey along with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari over Ganjam and Gajapati districts, announced assistance of ₹4 lakh each for the deceased in Dangeshi village.

“Protecting the lives and property during times of crisis is my utmost priority. The entire administration is working round the clock to ensure that food, drinking water, and emergency healthcare reach those affected without any hindrance. Instructions have been given to further expedite relief and rescue operations,” Mr. Majhi commented in an X post.

“In addition, directives have been issued to the administration to remain fully alert for the restoration of damaged roads and bridges, normalising electricity supply, and controlling post-flood health issues,” he further said.

As many as 84,564 people comprising 42,564 in Ganjam, 30,000 in Gajapati and 12,000 in Kandhamal districts were affected by flash floods due to heavy rain triggered by Cyclone Arnab.

Apart from these three districts, Koraput and Rayagada districts were also significantly hit by the cyclone’s fury. Heavy post-cyclone rainfall has left several villages waterlogged and caused extensive damage to roads and other infrastructure.

“As against average rainfall of 111 mm recorded in previous years, this time the cumulative rainfall in the State from October 1 to October 30 was 132 mm rainfall. There is increase of 18.7% rainfall in Odisha. Ganjam has recorded 118% surplus largely due to heavy rainfall that occurred under influence of Cyclone Arnab during October 27, 28 and 29. Similarly, Gajapati has recorded 103% excess rainfall. Kandhamal had 12% excess rainfall. With such heavy rainfall, there would be devastation,” he said.

“Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, National Disaster Response Force and Fire Services personnel have been deployed in the affected areas for rescue and relief operations. Helicopters are also being used for rescue operations and dropping of food materials,” sad Mr. Pujari.

Though there has been significant drop in rainfall on Friday (October 30, 2026), the overflowing rivers are a cause of concern for the administration.

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