15 Tourists Rescued from Mahendragiri Hills After Sudden Rain Triggers Landslides
Gajapati, — In a swift and coordinated effort, forest officials and police teams rescued 15 tourists stranded in the Mahendragiri hills following heavy rainfall and landslides on Thursday.
The group, hailing from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, had ventured into the scenic region during the Dussehra holidays when unexpected downpours blocked their return route.
The tourists endured harsh weather conditions and rising panic before rescue teams navigated treacherous terrain to reach them. All individuals were safely evacuated and medically examined, with no serious injuries reported.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered immediate action and dispatched Minister Bibhuti Jena to oversee relief efforts in Gajapati district.
The Special Relief Commissioner mobilised emergency teams to distribute supplies and assess damage caused by flooding and landslides.
Transport services were disrupted, and several areas reported waterlogging and power outages. Authorities have issued warnings for continued rainfall in the coming days, urging residents and tourists to exercise caution.
This incident underscores the importance of rapid disaster response and inter-agency coordination in safeguarding lives during extreme weather events.
