By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/KANDHAMAL: A major breakthrough has been achieved on the sixth day of the ongoing rescue operation in the Gidipabali area.
The rescue team has recovered the bodies of five members of a family who were buried under rocks at the scene. While two bodies were recovered earlier, today’s five bodies have been recovered, taking the total death toll to seven.
Six more of the 13 people listed are still missing. Identification of the deceased: The bodies were identified in the presence of family members.
The deceased are: * Phalal Pradhan (about 27 years old) * Vijaya Pradhan (about 25 years old) * Bagri Pradhan (about 1 year old) * Aruna Pradhan (about 7 years old) * Vijayalakshmi Pradhan (about 6 years old) Last rites performed at the scene: As per the wishes of the family and respecting their feelings, the last rites of all five members were performed at the scene with the cooperation of the administration.
The administration stands completely with the family in this hour of grief and the official said that the Ganjam administration will provide all possible cooperation for their rehabilitation as per the rules. Some families have expressed their desire to stay near Rayagada and some in Kandhamal, so arrangements are being made accordingly.
Due to the improvement in the weather, the landslide has reduced and the rescue operations have been accelerated. Currently, Odraf, Fire Brigade, DVI and SCU teams are deployed at the scene. More than 100 personnel and a total team of 200 to 250 people are involved in this mission.
The Railways’ blasting and mining team has returned after helping in blasting and removing the huge rocks and will be called again if required. The administration has clarified that the rescue operation will continue in the coming days to find the remaining six missing persons.
