Mahendragiri landslide: 24 tourists from Cuttack, Bhubaneswar rescued after intense midnight operation in Gajapati

In a dramatic midnight operation, 24 tourists trapped on Mahendragiri Hills in Odisha’s Gajapati district were safely rescued after a landslide cut off the route. The rescue teams, aided by JCB machines, cleared the debris to open the road and escorted the stranded visitors down the mountain.

The operation was carried out on a war footing with the combined efforts of the Forest Department staff and police personnel. Officials confirmed that all tourists from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar were brought down safely at around 11 pm on Thursday. The rescued tourists were taken to Gherabandha police station and offered food and water.

Following Odisha Chief Minister’s instructions, Mines and Steel Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena rushed to Gajapati to oversee the situation. 

In another incident, a landslide at Peket village under Raighar block left a father and son missing.  A team from the Fire Services Department has launched an intensive search and rescue operation in the area. 

Meanwhile, authorities have urged locals and tourists to exercise caution in the hilly terrain due to the ongoing heavy rains.

Also Read: Tourists from Bhubaneswar & Cuttack stranded after heavy rain cuts off access in Gajapati

In a separate incident in Raigarh block, a man and his son went missing after a landslide. The fire services team has been deployed in the search operation. Till the filing of this report, the duo was missing.