Authorities temporarily halted search and rescue operations at landslide-ravaged Gidipabali village in south Odisha on Wednesday due to inclement weather.
Families of 10 missing persons now prepare to perform final rituals.
Successive landslides buried homes under nearly 30 feet of heavy debris.
Kandhamal District Collector Vedbhusan confirmed the suspension after experts assessed the severe site conditions.
Further blasting risks triggering fresh landslides and endangers rescue personnel.
The administration met affected families at a shelter camp in Udayagiri.
Families acknowledged the immense challenges and requested help to conduct final rites.
Officials assured full support to help surviving residents rebuild their lives.
The state government launched the multi-agency operation following heavy rains from Cyclone Arnab.
Thirteen of the 26 villagers escaped the initial landslide on October 29.
Rescuers saved one person alive and later recovered two bodies from upper debris layers.
Teams faced massive hurdles as dense rock layers blocked ground-penetrating radar.
Lack of proper roads prevented heavy machinery from reaching the hilltop site.
Teams can only transport necessary machinery by airdropping equipment.
Multiple agencies deployed life-detection tools, dog squads, NDRF personnel, and IIT experts.
Crews also conducted controlled blasting over two days without significant breakthroughs.
Absence of basic facilities prevents rescue personnel from staying past sunset.
Officials plan one final search attempt once weather clears for a couple of days.
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