Kendrapada: Two youths were swept away by strong currents while bathing in the swollen Hansua river near Ambiki village under Erasama police station limits in Jagatsinghpur district on Friday. The missing youths were identified as Kanhu Kandi (16) and Butu Kandi (21). Hearing their cries for help, local residents rushed to the riverbank and attempted a rescue, but the force of the floodwaters thwarted their efforts.A massive search operation involving fire services personnel, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), police and local fishermen was launched soon after the incident. IIC, Erasama police station Partha Pratim Beura said the chances of survival were bleak given the swift current in the river.Local resident Binod Mallick said the mishap occurred at a spot where the riverbed suddenly drops into a deep pit. “Many people are unaware of the depression in the riverbed, which makes this stretch particularly dangerous, especially during floods,” he said.
