Two swept away at Gumma Jharana waterfall in Malkangiri; search operation underway

Two people went missing after being swept away while bathing at the Gumma Jharana waterfall in the Khairaput block of Odisha's Malkangiri district on Tuesday. 

The incident occurred when four individuals, who had come to the tourist spot, entered the water to bathe and were suddenly carried away by the strong current.

According to reports, two of the men managed to swim to safety shortly after being swept downstream. However, the other two, identified as J. Srikant and Lingaraj Mohapatra, both residents of Jeypore, could not be traced. Their disappearance prompted an immediate search operation by local residents and fire service personnel.

Massive Search Operation Underway

Reportedly, rescue teams began combing the area on Tuesday, but the operation had to be halted late in the evening due to poor visibility and difficult terrain. Despite continuous efforts, no clues regarding the missing men were found by nightfall.

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Search operations resumed early on Wednesday morning, with teams once again scanning the surrounding areas of the waterfall. Local authorities and firefighters are continuing their coordinated effort to locate the missing individuals.

As the search continues, families of the missing men and local residents remain anxiously gathered near the site, hoping for a breakthrough in the ongoing rescue efforts.