newspop
Boudh,Odisha : A dramatic rescue unfolded in Odisha’s Boudh district after two women remained stranded in the middle of the swollen Salunkhi River for nearly four hours, battling powerful currents as floodwaters rose around them. Their lives hung in the balance until a courageous Fire and Emergency Service team carried out a high-risk rescue and brought them to safety.
The incident took place near Lakshmipadar village under Baghiapada Panchayat, where the women had gone to collect firewood along a sandy stretch of the river. At the time, the water level appeared normal, but within a short span, heavy inflow caused the river to swell rapidly.
As the water surged, the women found themselves trapped on a narrow patch of land, with the fast-moving current cutting off every possible escape route. Unable to return to the riverbank, they waited helplessly for hours while the water continued to rise.
Villagers rushed to the spot and desperately searched for a way to reach them. However, the force of the current made any rescue attempt too dangerous, forcing them to seek professional help.After receiving an alert, a team from the Boudh Fire Station rushed to the scene with rescue equipment. Despite the challenging conditions and continuously rising water levels, the firefighters launched a carefully planned rescue operation, navigating the powerful currents to reach the stranded women.
Following nearly four hours of relentless efforts, the rescue team successfully evacuated both women to safety. Thankfully, neither suffered any serious injuries, preventing what could have turned into a major tragedy.
The daring operation drew widespread appreciation from local residents, who praised the firefighters for their courage and swift response. The incident stands as yet another reminder of the critical role emergency responders play in saving lives during extreme weather and flood emergencies.
