At least 12 people were killed in a landslide triggered by cyclone Titli-induced heavy rain in Odisha's Gajapati district, raising the death toll due to the deadly storm to 15 in the state, officials said Saturday.
The landslide occurred at Baraghara in the hilly Rayagada block where some villagers had taken shelter in a cave following very heavy rain on Thursday evening, a senior official said.
The toll could increase further as three others are feared trapped under the debris. Some houses and other structures were also damaged in the landslide, he said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who conducted an aerial survey of Gajapati and two other districts, said, "I extend my deepest condolence to the bereaved families."