Bhubaneswar, 3 October (H.S.): In a midnight operation, 24 tourists stranded on Mahendragiri Hills in Gajapati district were rescued safely after a landslide blocked the route on Thursday night.

Rescue teams, supported by JCB machines, worked through the night to clear debris and reopen the road, enabling the safe evacuation of the tourists. All the stranded visitors, hailing from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, were brought down around 11 pm and shifted to Gherabandha police station, where they were provided food and water.

The operation was carried out with joint efforts of the Forest Department and police personnel, under the close supervision of officials. Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Mines and Steel Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena rushed to Gajapati to oversee the rescue and relief operations.

Authorities have issued advisories urging residents and tourists to remain vigilant in hilly areas, as continuous heavy rainfall has increased the risk of further landslides.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda