How Did CM Mohan Majhi Respond to the Tragic Landslide and Flood Deaths?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expresses deep sorrow over recent fatalities.
- Two individuals died due to flooding and landslides in Gajapati.
- An ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh is being provided to their families.
- Rescue operations are ongoing for the missing father and son.
- The incident highlights the need for improved disaster preparedness.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 3 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed profound sorrow over the loss of two lives due to flooding and a landslide caused by heavy rainfall in Gajapati district on October 2.
As reported by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Trinath Nayak from Bastriguda Gram Panchayat and Lakshman Nayak from Meripalli Gram Panchayat tragically died in separate flooding and landslide incidents that followed relentless rains in the area.
Upon learning of the tragic events, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conveyed his heartfelt condolences and instructed the District Collector of Gajapati to allocate an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), as per CMO reports.
The intense rainfall on October 2, resulting from a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, caused extensive destruction, including landslides, flash floods, and road blockages throughout various regions of Gajapati district.
One notable incident involved a landslide in Bastriguda village under R. Udayagiri police limits around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, which claimed the life of 50-year-old Trinath Nayak, a local resident.
Similarly, Lakshman Mallik, aged 40, from Bandhaguda village in the Mohana area of Gajapati, was swept away in Ludru Nala while attempting to rescue his calf amidst the powerful water currents on Thursday evening. His remains were recovered from the water on Friday morning.
Meanwhile, despite more than 24 hours passing, rescue teams have yet to locate 35-year-old Rajika Sabar and his elderly father Kartik Sabar from Mahulsahi village of Gajapati, who are believed to be trapped under debris from a significant landslide near their village.
Police reports indicate that the father and son had gone to their agricultural field for work on Thursday morning just before a landslide occurred around 1:30 p.m.
As they did not return, locals suspect they may have been buried under the landslide debris. There are also concerns that they could be missing near the Nala due to the flooding.
Several areas across the state experienced heavy rainfall on Thursday as a result of a low-pressure system situated off the coast of Odisha.