Sambalpur, July 6 (UDN): Heavy and continuous rainfall has disrupted normal life in Sambalpur, with a tragic incident reported from behind the City Railway Station, where two youths were swept away by a sudden surge of water in a local nullah on Monday.
According to reports, the two youths were near the drain when they were caught off guard by a strong current triggered by heavy rainfall and rising water levels. Local residents and rescue teams immediately rushed to the spot and initiated a search and rescue operation.
One of the youths was successfully rescued and is reported to be safe. However, the second youth remains missing.
Fire services personnel along with local administration teams have launched an intensive search operation to trace the missing individual. However, rescue efforts are being hampered by strong water flow in the drain and overflowing water channels due to continuous rainfall in the region.
Authorities have issued safety advisories urging residents to avoid waterlogged areas, overflowing drains, and low-lying zones as heavy rainfall continues under the influence of a prevailing weather system affecting parts of western Odisha.
Officials are closely monitoring the situation and have assured that all necessary efforts are being made to locate the missing youth at the earliest.