In a deeply sorrowful event highlighting the bond between siblings, a differently-abled girl drowned while attempting to save her brother from the perilous waters of a canal in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

The siblings, named Parameswar Nayak and Nandini Nayak, lived in Mahalarpada village, under the authority of the Khunta police station. Reports indicate that the tragic situation arose as the brother and sister tried to cross a canal linked to the Naluha River.

Suddenly, the unexpectedly forceful water current swept Parameswar away. Observing her brother in distress, Nandini courageously leaped into the canal to rescue him. Unfortunately, the powerful currents engulfed both of them.

Responding swiftly to the emergency call, fire services from Khunta arrived on the scene promptly. After an exhaustive search, they retrieved the bodies of Parameswar and Nandini from different spots near the Karakachia bridge. The remains have been turned over to local authorities, leaving the close-knit community of Mahalarpada in deep mourning.

In another tragic occurrence in the state, a 69-year-old man was also swept away by strong currents while bathing in the Mahendratanaya River in Paralakhemundi.

The victim, Durga Prasad Panda, hailed from the Amara area. Reports suggest he was bathing in the river around 5:40 am when the tragedy occurred, as an unanticipated strong current dragged him into deeper waters.

As of now, a thorough search and rescue mission is in progress to find the missing elderly man, with his family and local community anxiously awaiting any updates.

These dual tragedies underscore the unpredictable and sometimes deadly nature of river currents, particularly during times of heavy flow.