3 people die in landslide as flood situation in Odisha remains grim

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi (left) surveys the flood-hit areas that were abandoned in the flash flood following Cyclone Arnab. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Three people were killed and several others went missing in a landslide in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, while the flood situation remained grim in Ganjam and Gajapati districts. The state government on Friday (October 30, 2026) air-dropped relief materials in areas that remained cut off from the floods.

A landslide occurred at Dangeshi village under Raikia block in Kandhamal district, killing a couple and their nine-month-old child. Some of the local villagers could not be traced after the incident.

Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Naik, who was monitoring the situation in Kandhamal, said, “The district administration reached Dangeshi village and rescued many villagers. They were evacuated to a safer place. The landslide was first reported around this village.”

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who conducted an aerial survey along with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari over Ganjam and Gajapati districts, announced a relief of ₹ 4 lakh for each deceased in Dangeshi village.

Acceleration of auxiliary works: CM

“Protection of lives and property in times of crisis is my top priority. The entire administration is working round the clock to ensure that food, drinking water and emergency medical care reach the affected without any hindrance. Instructions have been given to further expedite relief and rescue operations,” Mr Majhi commented in X’s post.

“Furthermore, directives have been issued for the administration to remain on full alert to restore damaged roads and bridges, normalize electricity supply and control health problems after the floods,” he further said.

As many as 84,564 people, including 42,564 in Ganjam, 30,000 in Gajapati and 12,000 in Kandhamal districts, were affected by flash floods due to heavy rain triggered by Cyclone Arnab.

Apart from these three districts, Koraput and Rayagada districts were also heavily affected by the cyclone’s fury. Heavy post-cyclone rainfall left several villages waterlogged and caused extensive damage to roads and other infrastructure.

“Compared to the average rainfall of 111 mm recorded in previous years, this time the cumulative rainfall in the state from October 1 to October 30 was 132 mm. There is an increase of 18.7% in Odisha. Ganjam recorded a surplus of 118% mainly due to heavy rainfall that occurred under the influence of the October cyclones Arnab2 and 282 Gapati during October 9 recorded 103% excess rainfall, Kandhamal had 12% excess rainfall, there would be devastation.

“Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, National Disaster Response Force and Fire Service have been deployed in the affected areas. Helicopters are also being used for rescue operations and relief operations,” lamented Mr. Pujari.

Although there was a significant drop in rainfall on Friday (October 30, 2026), overflowing rivers are a concern of the administration.

Published – 30 Oct 2026 19:30 IST