A deep depression crossed Odisha’s coast near Gopalpur on October 2 evening, triggering deadly landslides in Gajapati district that reportedly killed one person and left two missing, while stranding 24 tourists on Mahendragiri Hills before their successful rescue.
The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for seven districts including Puri, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Ganjam, Kalahandi and Kandhamal, with rainfall expected to continue until October 6.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has deployed Commerce Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena to oversee rescue operations and directed the Special Relief Commissioner to provide immediate assistance, while major transport disruptions affect southern Odisha.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
One person died after being buried under debris following a landslide in R Udaygiri Police Station area, while 70-year-old Kartika Shabara and his son Rajib Shabara remain missing after a landslide struck near Pekat in Rayagada block.
Superintendent of Police Jatindra Kumar Panda confirmed that “rescue operations are being carried out” despite road connectivity between Rayagada, Nuagarh and R Udaygiri being completely severed.
In a successful midnight operation, authorities rescued all 24 tourists who were stranded on Mahendragiri Hills due to landslides blocking their descent routes. The deep depression made landfall near Gopalpur at approximately 5 PM on October 2 with wind speeds reaching 73 kmph in gusts, causing widespread waterlogging across the state.
Infrastructure Impact and Historical Context
The current crisis has severely disrupted transport networks, with East Coast Railway cancelling the Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Night Express and short-terminating other services due to boulder falls on tracks. National Highway 326, a crucial link between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, remains submerged in Koraput district.
This disaster recalls previous tragic incidents in the region, particularly the 2018 landslides in Gajapati that claimed multiple lives, highlighting the district’s persistent vulnerability to extreme weather events. The IMD has warned that rainfall will persist until October 6, potentially affecting ongoing Durga Puja and Dussehra celebrations across the state.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The recurring devastation in Odisha’s hilly districts underscores an urgent imperative for comprehensive disaster preparedness that goes beyond emergency response to address root causes like deforestation and unplanned development.
While Chief Minister Majhi’s swift deployment of ministerial oversight and rescue resources demonstrates governmental responsiveness, the pattern of casualties during monsoons reveals systemic gaps in early warning systems and evacuation protocols for vulnerable communities.
The successful rescue of stranded tourists alongside the tragedy of missing villagers highlights both the potential and limitations of current disaster management frameworks.
