Tragic Rainfall in Odisha: Two Lives Lost and Search Underway for Missing Individuals
Overview of the Incident
In a devastating turn of events, heavy rainfall in Odisha’s Gajapati district has resulted in the loss of two lives and left two others missing. The incidents were triggered by a depression in the region, which has caused significant disruption and damage. Local officials reported the fatalities and ongoing search efforts on Friday, highlighting the severe impact of the weather conditions.
Details of the Casualties
The deceased have been identified as Trinath Nayak from Bastriaguda and Laxman Nayak from Meripalli. According to district administration reports, Trinath lost his life in a landslide at Bastriaguda, while Laxman drowned in the Ludru Nala. The tragic events underscore the dangers posed by natural disasters, particularly in regions prone to heavy rainfall and landslides.
Gajapati District Collector Madhumita expressed condolences on social media, stating that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed the provision of ₹4 lakh (approximately $4,800) in financial assistance to the families of the deceased from the State Disaster Response Fund. This gesture aims to provide some relief to the grieving families during this difficult time.
Ongoing Search Operations
The district administration has mobilized resources to locate a father-son duo, Kartika Sabar and his son Rajib, who went missing following a landslide near Mohulsahi, Pekata. Search operations are being conducted with the assistance of police, fire services, and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF). A senior official reported that six teams of fire service personnel, along with a dog squad, have been deployed, but as of now, there has been no trace of the missing individuals.
State Transport and Commerce Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena visited the affected areas and met with the family members of the missing persons. He expressed concern over the situation and inspected the damage caused by the landslide, which is suspected to have trapped the duo under debris.
Weather Conditions and Impact
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the depression over interior Odisha has moved northward and is expected to weaken into a well-marked low pressure within the next 12 hours. The IMD’s 5:30 PM bulletin indicated that the depression was centered approximately 20 km south-southeast of Raigarh and 50 km west-northwest of Sambalpur.
The relentless rainfall over the past three days has wreaked havoc in southern Odisha, particularly in Gajapati and Ganjam districts. More than two dozen villages have been cut off due to landslides, road blockades, and damaged bridges. Additionally, three individuals sustained injuries from wall collapses, further illustrating the widespread destruction caused by the weather.
Broader Regional Impact
While Gajapati district has been the hardest hit, neighboring districts such as Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri have also experienced significant rainfall, leading to the washing away of roads and uprooting of trees. Communication with numerous villages has been disrupted, isolating communities and complicating rescue efforts.
Train services on key routes, including Kottavalasa-Kirandul and Koraput-Rayagada, have been affected due to boulders falling on tracks, as reported by an East Coast Railway official. This disruption in transportation adds another layer of difficulty for rescue operations and for residents trying to access essential services.
Rainfall Statistics
The IMD reported that Thuamual Rampur in Kalahandi recorded the highest rainfall, measuring 352 mm in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning. Other areas, including R Udayagiri and Gumma in Gajapati, reported 291 mm and 211 mm, respectively. The IMD has categorized several locations as having received very heavy rainfall, with 10 places recording between 12-20 cm and 42 places between 7-11 cm.
In light of the ongoing weather conditions, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Sundergarh district, warning of heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and winds reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h.
Historical Context
Odisha has a history of facing severe weather events, particularly during the monsoon season. The state is prone to cyclones and heavy rainfall, which can lead to landslides and flooding. In 1999, Odisha experienced one of the deadliest cyclones in Indian history, resulting in thousands of fatalities and widespread destruction. The state’s vulnerability to such natural disasters has prompted ongoing efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
Conclusion
The recent rainfall in Odisha’s Gajapati district serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerabilities faced by communities in disaster-prone areas. As search operations continue for the missing individuals, the state government is working to provide assistance to those affected. The situation remains fluid, and the impact of the weather will likely be felt for some time as recovery efforts unfold. The resilience of the affected communities will be tested in the days ahead, as they navigate the challenges posed by this natural calamity.
