One person died and at least seven others went missing after the boat carrying them capsized in the Mahanadi River in Jharsuguda on Friday.
While the identities of the deceased and the missing persons are yet to be ascertained, it is learned that the deceased was a woman. The death was confirmed by Jharsuguda Collector Aboli Sunil Naravane.
The missing persons include four women and three children.
As per reports, there is a temple on an islet in the middle of the river. About 50 people including children and women from Kharsia area in neighbouring Chhattisgarh state had gone to the temple from Saradha ghat under Lakhanpur block of Jharsuguda district. On their way to Banjipali in Bargarh district, the boat capsized.
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Local fishermen came to the rescue of the people trying to keep themselves afloat. They rescued over 40 people.
As per latest reports, the search operation was on despite darkness hindering efforts.
“The rescue operation is going on. The SP is monitoring the operation,” said Odisha northern range IG, Himanshu Lal.
Jharsuguda Collector Aboli Sunil Narvane said, "Rescue operation is going on. While the fire team is on the job, an ODRAF team has been mobilized. All measures are in place to provide medical attention.
Meanwhile, The Odisha Chief Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the kin of each deceased.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister took to his X handle to express grief over the incident.
“Coordination has been established between the Jharsuguda administration and the Raigarh district administration. Necessary instructions have been given to the Raigarh district administration. Arrangements have been made to bring the rescued people back to Anjorpali and other villages in Kharsia by arranging a bus at the site of the incident. I pray to God to give strength to the bereaved family of the deceased,” read his post in Hindi.
Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhushan Harichandan also expressed deep grief over the death of a person due to the boat mishap in Mahanadi in Jharsuguda (Odisha) today.