Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: Rescue operations at the landslide-hit Gidipabali village in Ganjam district continued for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, with 11 persons still missing. Fire Services DG Sudhansu Sarangi said the rescue teams were hopeful of making significant progress by evening despite major challenges posed by massive boulders at the site.

According to reports, the landslide struck the hilltop hamlet on the Ganjam-Kandhamal border following torrential rainfall triggered by Cyclone ‘Arnab’. Heavy sludge buried the village, leaving 11 people missing. Following information from locals, Fire Services personnel rushed to the spot and rescued two persons safely.

Sarangi said several huge boulders, some reportedly as large as houses, had severely obstructed the rescue operation. Railway authorities' chain-pulling technique was attempted to remove the rocks but proved unsuccessful.

Subsequently, authorities resorted to controlled blasting. However, three blasts conducted on Monday failed to break the massive boulders. Access difficulties have further slowed the operation, as tractors cannot reach the site to transport necessary equipment.

On Tuesday, rescue teams resumed efforts with assistance from the Mines Department to break the boulders and clear the debris. Sarangi said the extent of progress in overcoming the obstacles would become clear by evening.

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