Rourkela: A dramatic rescue unfolded in Sundargarh district on Sunday when a farmer couple, trapped by floodwaters, climbed a banyan tree to save their lives. The couple remained stranded for nearly three hours before fire service personnel reached the spot with a boat. In a tragic twist, one of the rescuers was bitten by a venomous snake, and is now battling for life at Rourkela Government Hospital.According to sources, the couple from Dhatkipos village in Gurundia block were harvesting pointed gourds when floodwater suddenly surged into their farmland. Heavy overnight rainfall and the opening of three gates of Rukra Dam on Sunday morning caused water levels to rise sharply, inundating agricultural fields. Caught off guard, the couple scrambled up a banyan tree to escape the swirling currents.Fire personnel from Gurundia rushed to the spot after receiving information. With no boat available at their station, they sought assistance from Bonai office. In the meantime, two firemen attempted to climb the tree. Rescuer Atulya Kishan was bitten by a snake while scaling the branches, while the sight left the woman unconscious.A boat from Bonai fire station finally arrived, and after sustained efforts, the couple and injured fireman were brought down safely. The woman was treated at Gurundia Community Health Centre and discharged, while Kishan was shifted first to Bonai hospital and later Rourkela Government Hospital, where his condition remains critical.“The farmer couple and our injured colleague were rescued through a joint effort of Gurundia and Bonai fire stations,” said Sushil Hembrumb, station officer, Bonai.Meanwhile, flooding has disrupted life across Bonai subdivision. Seventeen families in Ghatposh village under Sishadihi gram panchayat were forced to abandon their homes and take shelter along the roadside. Two houses remain surrounded by water.Continuous rainfall has also submerged Seemajore bridge, cutting off traffic between Jangala in Bonai block and Bahadapashi national highway. Commuters travelling from Rourkela towards Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Keonjhar have been forced to turn back, with authorities closing the route as a precaution.
