Phulbani, Nov 4: The rescue operation at Gidipabali in Kandhamal district has been temporarily suspended until further notice, with authorities citing adverse weather conditions and the increasing risks involved in the operation. However, Kandhamal Collector Vedbhushan has assured that the administration will make every possible effort to recover the remaining bodies.

Speaking to the media, the Collector and district magistrate of Kandhamal Vedbhushan said the decision to suspend the rescue operation on Wednesday was taken due to unfavourable weather conditions. However, he clarified that the decision was not final and that the administration would make a last attempt to locate and recover those still missing. If weather conditions improve, the rescue operation may resume from Thursday.

Also read: Search operation suspended in Gidipabali; administration assures support to families of missing persons

According to the Collector, three successive landslides occurred at the site in a single night, pushing the bodies deeper beneath the debris. Experts estimate that the remaining bodies could be buried more than 30 feet below the surface. With the machinery currently available, it is not possible to safely search beyond that depth. Moreover, further blasting could trigger another landslide, posing serious risks to rescue personnel and potentially worsening the situation.

Considering these risks and the recommendations of the expert team, the administration has decided to temporarily suspend the operation. Despite two days of blasting, the efforts have yielded little progress. It took three days to recover the two bodies that had been located earlier, which experts believe were buried in the uppermost layer of debris.

Meanwhile, as the hope of finding their loved ones alive gradually fades, the families of the victims have reportedly expressed their agreement with the administration's decision. A proposal has also been made to conduct a collective funeral at a site near the village. Villagers have further suggested constructing a memorial at the location in memory of the victims.

The Kandhamal and Ganjam district administrations discussed these proposals at a meeting held on Wednesday. A final decision will be taken after further consultations, keeping the emotional and psychological condition of the bereaved families in mind.

The Collector also clarified that the Railways will not be involved in the subsequent rescue efforts. Earlier, authorities had considered air-dropping rescue personnel and equipment by helicopter due to the difficult terrain and limited accessibility of the site. However, experts ruled out the possibility, citing the challenging geographical conditions.

The next course of action will be decided jointly by the state government, the Kandhamal and Ganjam district administrations, and local residents.

Collector Vedbhushan reiterated at a press conference on Wednesday night that the administration remains committed to making every possible effort to recover the missing bodies while ensuring the safety of rescue personnel.