Gidipabali village in Odisha is witnessing an unbearable tale of grief, helplessness and shattered hopes. Days after Cyclone Arnab, relentless rainfall triggered a massive landslide that virtually wiped out this remote hill settlement. Where homes once stood and families lived together, there are now heaps of mud, massive boulders and uprooted trees.
At around 3 am on October 28, while the entire village was fast asleep, a huge portion of the hillside suddenly collapsed. Within moments, several houses were buried under tonnes of debris. Residents barely had any time to react. While some managed to escape, several families were left shattered.
Initially, 12 people were reported missing in the disaster. During the rescue operation, two bodies were recovered. The deceased were identified as 52-year-old Rabi Malik and 29-year-old Salman Pradhan. However, 10 people are still missing.
Teams from the NDRF, ODRAF, Fire Services and other agencies were deployed for an extensive search operation. Sniffer dogs, advanced equipment, radar systems and heavy machinery were used to locate those trapped under the debris.
However, nearly 30 feet of accumulated debris, massive boulders weighing several tonnes and difficult hilly terrain made the rescue operation extremely challenging.
Amid the threat of further landslides and unfavourable weather conditions, the search operation was suspended on November 4 and 5.
But the most heartbreaking chapter of this tragedy is now unfolding. Families whose loved ones are still missing are reportedly preparing for symbolic last rites.
Imagine the pain of families who had been waiting for their loved ones to return, only to be forced to prepare for a final farewell. No last glimpse, no final meeting and no opportunity to bid goodbye in person.
The state government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased. Steps are also being taken to rehabilitate those affected by the disaster.
Following Cyclone Arnab, heavy rainfall and flooding caused widespread destruction across Odisha’s southern districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal. More than 100 villages were affected, while thousands of people had to be shifted to relief camps.
But Gidipabali tells a different story. Here, the tragedy is not just about destroyed homes. It is about lives lost, families separated and loved ones who remain buried somewhere beneath the debris.
The hills remain silent. The debris lies scattered across the settlement. But inside relief camps, families continue to wait for answers.
Gidipabali is no longer just the story of a devastating landslide. It is a heartbreaking tale of shattered families, lost homes and people who may never get the chance to say one final goodbye.
