Two youths die while taking bath in Mahanadi river in Cuttack

Two youths who had gone missing after being swept away in Mahanadi River were rescued by fire services personnel in Cuttack, on Thursday. However, doctors at SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) declared them ‘brought dead’ later in the day.

Identities of the deceased have not been ascertained yet, a local said.

Also Read: Five children meet watery graves in separate incidents in Odisha

According to sources, six youths were swimming in the river when two of them were swept away by the river current. Despite efforts by onlookers to save them, the situation turned serious, leading to an urgent search operation by the fire services personnel. A frantic search was initiated, and the duo was rescued after striving for around an hour. The two youths were found in critical condition and rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

“The fire services team located and brought the duo to safety, although their condition had remained serious. Unfortunately, the two youths could not be saved despite efforts. The fatal mishap occurred while the youths were swimming in the river near Jobra anicut, a popular bathing site for locals. We could not save them,” a resident expressed.

No comments were received from the local police or families of the victims.

Alarming drowning statistics

Odisha recorded 2,064 drowning deaths between 2022 and 2025, with 47 occurring at Puri beach and other coastal areas over five years. Cuttack district reported the highest toll (252 deaths), followed by Mayurbhanj (251), Koraput (207), and Nabarangpur (102). Districts along the Mahanadi river system and coastal regions remain high-risk zones.

Government safety initiatives

The Odisha government established OSWALI training institute in Puri to certify 500+ lifeguards annually. Permanent lifeguard teams now patrol Puri beach with rescue equipment. Safety measures include danger-zone markings, warning signs at water bodies, and school safety programs near aquatic risks.

High-risk locations identified

Riverine districts (Cuttack, Mayurbhanj) and coastal areas account for 65% of drownings. Reservoirs, dams, and unprotected water bodies near educational institutions pose particular risks to youth populations.

Prevention strategies advised

Experts advocate community-led water safety education and mandatory swimming lessons in schools. Authorities plan monsoon-specific awareness campaigns and emergency response drills in vulnerable districts.

Must read: Two Class 7 students drown to death in pond in Odisha's Kendrapara

Recent tragic incidents

Six people drowned during Holi celebrations in March 2025 while bathing post-festivities. In April 2025, two college students died in separate dam reservoir accidents - a BTech student at Hirakud Dam and an MBBS student at Rengali Dam reservoir.