Sept. 26 (UDN): Two people went missing in separate incidents in Odisha after reportedly falling into swollen water bodies while taking photographs amid flood and heavy-rain conditions in the state.
The incidents were reported from Narasinghpur in Cuttack district and Nabarangpur late Friday, prompting search operations by fire services and police.
Youth Falls From Bridge in Cuttack
In Narasinghpur, Saroj Nayak, a resident of Dhipisahi in Dasapalla, reportedly fell from the Sidhamula Bridge while taking photographs with his family.
According to reports, Nayak had visited the area with his family to attend a Dasaha ceremony. While returning home, the family stopped on the bridge to take photographs when he suddenly fell into the swollen water below.
After receiving information, the Balijhari Fire Services team reached the spot and launched a search operation. However, Nayak could not be traced.
Woman Missing in Nabarangpur
In a separate incident in Nabarangpur, a woman reportedly fell into the swollen Indravati River while taking a selfie.
The woman, a resident of Medirisahi, had reportedly gone to the area with her family to see the floodwater when she fell into the river.
Her brother subsequently lodged a written complaint at the police station, following which a search operation was initiated.
The search was suspended after darkness set in and is expected to resume as conditions permit.
Caution Urged Near Flooded Areas
The incidents come as several parts of Odisha continue to experience heavy rain and flooding. Authorities have been urging people to stay away from swollen rivers, bridges and other dangerous waterlogged areas, particularly while attempting to take photographs or selfies.