Landslide hits Gajapati village, 7 houses damaged, girl narrowly escapes death

A sudden landslide triggered by relentless rainfall has damaged several houses in Gajapati district’s Mohana block. Amid the chaos, a six-year-old girl narrowly escaped death on Sunday, while a woman was seriously injured by a snakebite brought down by floodwaters.

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In the shocking incident caused by continuous and heavy rainfall, a landslide in Dhepanaju village under Mohana block has led to the collapse of seven houses. Besides, a six-year-old girl sustained injuries after being hit by a wall but survived with minor wounds.

Tragedy struck further when a snake, washed down from the hills by rainwater, bit a woman during the commotion. She was immediately taken to Mohana health centre, where she is currently under treatment in critical condition.

Villagers reported that the landslide brought down mud, debris, and rocks from the nearby hill, thereby severely affecting families and damaging properties. The locals have demanded immediate compensation and relief assistance from the district administration.

Emergency response teams are yet to arrive, while the affected villagers are left managing the things on their own. The situation highlights the vulnerability of remote hilly regions in Odisha during monsoon season.

“We are facing utter difficulties. Snakes are entering our houses and biting us. Landslides are also occurring frequently due to incessant rains. We are poor people and are unable to spend money for repair,” a woman resident, Lakshmi Raut, said to OTV.

“Despite running from pillar to post, our demand for financial assistance are not being met,” the Dhepanaju resident expressed.