​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: Fifteen tourists from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar were rescued on Thursday after being stranded in Mahendragiri, Gajapati district, following heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system.

The tourists had travelled to the popular hill destination during the Dussehra holidays. However, incessant downpour coupled with a landslide left them stuck in the area. Acting promptly, forest officials, with the support of local police and district authorities, carried out a rescue operation and safely evacuated all members of the group.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed Mines and Steel Minister Bibhuti Jena to visit Gajapati to assess the situation and oversee ongoing relief measures. The Chief Minister has also instructed the Special Relief Commissioner to provide immediate aid to those affected.

The low-pressure induced heavy rainfall has caused widespread disruptions across parts of South Odisha. Reports of landslides and flooding have emerged from several areas, further aggravating the situation in Gajapati district.