Naveen Patnaik Mourns Kandhamal Landslide Victims, Urges Faster Rescue Operations
Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and the plight of people affected by landslides triggered by Cyclone Arnab in Odisha’s Kandhamal district.
In a message posted on social media, Naveen Patnaik conveyed his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and prayed for the departed souls.
He also urged the state government to expedite rescue and relief operations in the affected areas and ensure swift restoration of normalcy.
The appeal comes amid ongoing rescue efforts following a series of landslides reported in Kandhamal and adjoining regions after heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Arnab.
According to reports, three members of a family lost their lives when a landslide struck Dangesi village under Raikia block in Kandhamal district.
The deceased were identified as Achyuta Pradhan, Anisha Pradhan, and their nine-month-old child.
In another major incident at Gidipabali village along the Ganjam-Kandhamal border, 13 people were reported missing, while 11 others were rescued by emergency response teams.
Rescue personnel continue search operations in the affected region.
Authorities have also reported landslides at six locations near Gatingia panchayat under G. Udayagiri block, highlighting the widespread impact of the extreme weather conditions.
As rescue teams intensify efforts to locate missing persons and assist affected families, political leaders and local residents have called for urgent relief measures to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the disaster.
