12 feared dead in Gajapati landslide

Bhubaneswar: At least 12 people, including five children were feared dead in a massive landslide at Gangabad panchayat under Rayagada block of Gajapati district late Friday night. Sources said the deceased belonged to five families, all from Baraghara village of Gangabad panchayat. They had allegedly fled homes Wednesday night fearing repercussions of the severe cyclonic storm Titli that hit the state early Thursday morning. They took shelter in a cave of a hill near the village. The landslide happened when they were inside the cave. The SP said efforts are being made to clear the path to reach the trapped people. District Collector and SP could not, however, confirm the deaths.