Mayurbhanj, Jun 20: A dramatic rescue operation unfolded near Merumatha under the jurisdiction of Jharpokharia police station in Odisha’s Sarasakana block, after a youth was reportedly trapped on a rock island in the Subarnarekha River.

Despite hours of relentless effort by fire services teams from Bangiriposhi and Sarasakana, the youth remained missing.

According to reports, the incident occurred yesterday afternoon when the water level of the Subarnarekha River rose suddenly due to heavy upstream rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system. The youth, believed to be from Jharkhand, had somehow reached a rock formation in the middle of the river and became stranded as the current intensified.

Eyewitnesses say the river swelled rapidly, leaving no time for warning. Rescue teams rushed to the scene and launched a search operation, but the youth could not be located.

Authorities now suspect he may have been swept away by the strong currents.

The administration has yet to provide a clear account of the incident, and the identity of the missing youth remains unconfirmed. The situation has raised concerns about the lack of early warning systems and the unpredictable nature of river surges during monsoon conditions.

Local officials have assured that search operations will continue, though hopes are fading as time passes. The community remains on edge, awaiting any update on the young man’s fate.

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