Odisha has arranged the helicopter deployment of a seismic life detection unit to the landslide-affected G Udayagiri area to search for missing people and detect signs of life beneath soil, mud and debris, following a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The state government has directed officials to accelerate rescue operations in areas affected by landslides reportedly triggered after Cyclone Arnab, while giving the search for missing people and the protection of lives the highest priority. The equipment is expected to be used directly at the G Udayagiri site.
According to the report by The Samaja, the unit uses specialised sensors and scanning technology to identify biological signals beneath earth, sludge or rubble. The technology is used by the Indian Navy, although the report does not specify the number of units being deployed, the exact operating timeline or the agency responsible for its technical operation at the site.
The chief minister issued the directions during a review meeting at the office of the Special Relief Commissioner, where officials also assessed damage caused by flooding and preparations for possible future storms. Majhi directed all departments to remain fully alert and to work towards accurate damage assessment and effective disaster response.
The rescue operation at the affected location is being conducted jointly by the National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, the fire services and the Special Operations Group. The state has also begun a process, with assistance from East Coast Railway, to use a chain-pulling system to help evacuate people from landslide-affected areas. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has discussed railway support with Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, according to the report.
The review also covered restoration of electricity, roads and other essential services in affected areas. The chief minister directed authorities to restore these services on an emergency basis, placing the recovery of access and basic infrastructure alongside the continuing rescue effort.
Officials were instructed to prepare cyclone shelters, carry out advance evacuation from vulnerable areas, stock dry food, arrange cooked food where necessary, and maintain supplies of safe drinking water and medicines. The administration was also told to strengthen coordination between departments and verify information received from media and other sources before taking action.
Majhi directed authorities to provide the media with complete and accurate official information during disasters, saying that verified communication would help counter misleading reports and improve the effectiveness of relief and rescue operations. Chief Secretary Anu Garg and senior officials from several departments attended the review meeting. The immediate next step is the deployment and operation of the seismic life detection unit at the G Udayagiri landslide site, alongside the ongoing multi-agency rescue effort.
