Miracle in Odisha: 70-Year-Old Survives 12 Hours Drifting in Brahmani River
A 70-year-old woman survived 12 hours drifting 30km downstream in Odisha's Brahmani River before being rescued by local youths.
In a miraculous survival story that has stunned the state of Odisha, a 70-year-old woman named Kesi Dalai was rescued after spending nearly 12 hours being swept away by the powerful currents of the Brahmani River. The elderly woman, a resident of Kalakhand village in Jajpur, drifted approximately 30 kilometres downstream before being spotted by local youths.
A Terrifying Night on the Water
The ordeal began on Saturday night when Dalai went to the riverbank. Recounting the harrowing experience, she explained that the accident happened unexpectedly while she was attempting to relieve herself near the water's edge.
"It was around 10 PM on Saturday. I had gone to the riverbank to relieve myself... I didn't realise the ground was uneven or slippery. As soon as I stepped down, my foot slipped... and suddenly, I was swept into the middle of the river," Dalai told ANI.
For the next 12 hours, the elderly woman fought to stay afloat in the dark, turbulent waters. She remained adrift from 10 PM until 10 AM the following morning, navigating the dangerous currents of the swollen river.
The Moment of Rescue
The woman's life was saved near Pattamundai in the Kendrapara district. Two young men traveling in a boat spotted her in the water and immediately rushed to her aid.
Dalai described the rescue process as follows:
- The Signal: She raised her hand to alert the passing boatmen.
- Immediate Aid: The youths pulled her into the boat, provided her with dry clothes, and rubbed her body to combat the extreme cold.
- Medical Care: After providing initial first aid, the rescuers called an ambulance to transport her to a local hospital.
Local resident Ashok Pani expressed the community's shock at her survival, noting the extreme danger posed by the river, including the presence of crocodiles. "She was saved by God himself," he remarked.
Odisha Faces Rising Flood Threats
This survival story comes at a time when much of Odisha is grappling with the devastating effects of monsoon rains and rising river levels. The state is currently facing significant flooding challenges across multiple districts.
Flooding and Embankment Breaches
In Mayurbhanj district, the situation has turned critical. A breach in the Gangahar River embankment near Kunchibania village has led to massive inundation. The following impacts have been reported:
- Agricultural Damage: Acres of farmland have been submerged, leading to significant losses for local farmers.
- Trapped Residents: Rising waters have left many villagers stranded in their homes.
- Emergency Response: The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire service teams have been deployed to evacuate stranded individuals and provide relief.
As authorities continue to manage the crisis, thousands of people have been moved to relief camps to escape the swelling rivers and heavy monsoon downpours that continue to affect the region.