Phulbani, Nov 2: The search and rescue operation at Ridipabali in G. Udayagiri block of Odisha’s Kandhamal district entered its third day on Monday, as authorities intensified efforts to trace 12 people who remain missing following a devastating landslide.

Around 200 personnel, accompanied by sniffer dogs, set out from Kilapanga in G. Udayagiri block early in the morning to carry out an extensive search operation in the affected area.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Special Operations Group (SOG), police and fire services have been deployed for the operation. The Kandhamal District Collector, Sub-Collector and G. Udayagiri administration are closely monitoring the rescue efforts.

Officials indicated that additional teams could be deployed if required. The administration has also sought the cooperation of local residents to strengthen the search operation.

Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up rescue efforts in view of the approaching cyclone. With 12 people still unaccounted for, search operations are being carried out on a war footing to locate the missing individuals.

The landslide occurred in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab, leaving several people missing. While some of them have been rescued, 12 people are still untraced, prompting authorities to intensify the search operation.