Bhubaneswar, November 1: An East Coast Railway rescue team has reached landslide-hit Gidipabali village in Ganjam district after trekking for nearly three hours through difficult hilly terrain to assist the Odisha government in rescue and debris-clearing operations.

The massive landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall following Cyclone Arnab around 3 am on October 28, buried the village under mud, rocks and uprooted trees. Twelve people remain missing, while one body has been recovered from the debris.

More than 150 personnel from NDRF, ODRAF, Fire Services, police and other agencies are involved in the search operation. Railway officials have also mobilised specialised manpower, heavy equipment and life detectors to locate survivors.

Rescue efforts remain challenging due to unstable slopes, falling boulders, intermittent rainfall and difficult access to the village. In some areas, debris has accumulated to nearly 20 feet. One cow has been rescued alive, while several livestock are feared dead.

Two injured women are undergoing treatment at G. Udayagiri Community Health Centre, while other affected residents have been shifted to temporary shelters.

The search for the 12 missing villagers continues, with rescue teams exercising extreme caution amid the difficult terrain and continuing risk of landslides.