Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two individuals in Gajapati district, following landslides and flooding triggered by heavy rainfall on October 2. The Chief Minister directed the District Collector to provide an ex-gratia of Rs4 lakh each to the families of the deceased from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Trinath Nayak of Bastriguda Gram Panchayat and Laxman Mallik of Bandhaguda village lost their lives in separate incidents. Trinath was killed in a landslide near R. Udayagiri police limits around 4:30 p.m., while Laxman was swept away in Ludru Nala while attempting to rescue his calf. His body was recovered the next morning.

Search for Missing Villagers

Rescue teams are still searching for Rajika Sabar (35) and his elderly father Kartik Sabar, who went missing after a massive landslide near Mahulsahi village. The duo had gone to their agricultural field on Thursday morning and were last seen before a landslide occurred around 1:30 p.m. Villagers suspect they may be trapped under debris or swept away by floodwaters.

Widespread Rainfall and Damage

The heavy rainfall was caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which led to flash floods, landslides, and road blockages across Gajapati and other districts. Several parts of Odisha witnessed severe weather conditions, prompting emergency response teams to remain on high alert.

The state government has assured continued support and monitoring of the situation, with rescue operations ongoing and disaster relief measures being implemented.