Bhubaneswar, Sept 3: Odisha, known for its vulnerability to cyclones and floods, is increasingly facing another natural threat—landslides. From Gajapati and Kandhamal to Koraput, Rayagada and Mayurbhanj, repeated incidents of landslides have raised concerns over the safety of people living in hilly areas.
The state witnessed one of its deadliest landslide disasters during Cyclone Titli, when massive quantities of mud and earth collapsed in Gajapati district, killing 49 people. As many as 13 people died in Barghar village under Gangabada panchayat of Rayagada block.
More recently, on September 16, 2025, a massive landslide at Kalinga Ghat in Kandhamal district brought traffic to a standstill. A huge rockslide blocked the road for months, with vehicular movement still restricted in parts of the route. In 2022, a landslide in Kumbharipada under Hatimunda panchayat of Daringbadi block forced the evacuation of 96 people. On August 9 this year, four families from the same area had to be shifted after another landslide.
These incidents underline that Odisha is not immune to landslide disasters. Experts say southern Odisha is particularly vulnerable because of its geographical and geological conditions. Intense rainfall, cloudbursts, deforestation and hill cutting could further increase the risk.
Several districts remain vulnerable
Experts have identified Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar among the major landslide-prone districts. Areas of Nayagarh, Angul, Balangir, Dhenkanal and Boudh may also face the risk.
In Gajapati, 139 locations have reportedly been identified as landslide-prone. Areas around R. Udayagiri, Budhishila Ghat, Malaba Ghat and Mandalsahi-Rashibada are considered particularly sensitive.
Rayagada has also witnessed deadly landslides, including one in 2006 that claimed six lives. Hills such as Khinakhina, Landa and Jayaguru near Rayagada town could pose a serious threat if major landslides occur. Parts of Niyamgiri and areas around Kurli, Muniguda and Kalyansinghpur are also considered vulnerable.
In Kandhamal, Kalinga Ghat, Kumbharipada and Dhepguda remain areas of concern. Koraput's Sunki area witnessed a landslide in 2021 that blocked NH-26, while parts of Nandapur have also reported recurring landslides.
The extensive Similipal hill region in Mayurbhanj is another area of concern. Several villages surrounding the reserve, including those in Bangiriposi, Bisoi, Jashipur and Thakurmunda, face the risk of landslides during prolonged rainfall.
Keonjhar's Kanjipani and Judia Ghati frequently experience landslides that disrupt roads. Similar concerns exist in parts of Angul, Dhenkanal, Balangir, Nayagarh and Boudh, particularly where settlements are located close to hills.
Need for an early-warning system
While Odisha has built a strong disaster-management system for cyclones and floods, experts say landslide preparedness remains inadequate.
Plans to identify vulnerable areas and conduct research in collaboration with institutions such as Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham have yet to translate into a comprehensive preventive system. A sensor-based early-warning mechanism for landslides is also yet to be widely implemented.
The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has studied the landslide-management model in Sikkim, but experts believe Odisha needs a clear action plan of its own.
Authorities have stressed the need for afforestation, scientific identification of landslide-prone zones and greater public awareness.
With climate-related extreme rainfall becoming increasingly unpredictable and hills facing growing pressure from deforestation, mining and hill cutting, experts warn that Odisha cannot afford to wait for another major disaster before strengthening its landslide preparedness.
