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Cyclone Arnab: Naveen Patnaik expresses grief over Kandhamal landslide deaths, seeks urgent rescue

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and several people going missing following landslides
Published By : Tuhina Sahoo | October 31, 2026 10:46 AM
Cyclone Arnab: Naveen Patnaik expresses grief over Kandhamal landslide deaths, seeks urgent rescue

Bhubaneswar, Oct 31: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and several people going missing following landslides triggered by Cyclone Arnab in Odisha's Kandhamal district.

In his condolence message, Naveen extended his sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls. He also urged the state government to take immediate steps to rescue those missing and restore normalcy in the affected areas.

According to reports, a devastating landslide struck Dangesi village under Manikeswar Gram Panchayat in Raikia block of Kandhamal district around midnight on Wednesday following torrential rainfall.

A family of three, including a father, mother and their seven-month-old son, was buried under the debris after a landslide swept down a vulnerable hillside.

The deceased have been identified as Achyut Pradhan (36), his wife Manasi Pradhan (24) and their seven-month-old baby boy.

Meanwhile, six locations in Katingia Gram Panchayat under G. Udayagiri block have also witnessed landslides.
​​​​​The situation is equally alarming in Gidipabali village under Baibali Gram Panchayat in neighbouring Ganjam district's Bhanjanagar block. At around 3 am on Wednesday, a massive flow of mud, rocks, trees and water came crashing down from the hillside, leaving much of the village buried under debris.

According to preliminary information, 13 people are missing, while 11 others narrowly escaped. Two women rescued from the affected area are reportedly in critical condition and have been admitted to G. Udayagiri health centre.

Rescue operations are underway to trace the missing people and evacuate those affected by the landslides.

The disaster has triggered serious concern across the affected regions, with rescue teams continuing their efforts amid challenging conditions.

Tags: #Cyclone Arnab