Five friends visited Gumma waterfall in Malkangiri district on November 19, and two students went missing while bathing in the stream.
Five students from Jeypore Vikram Dev College reached Gumma waterfall under Madkapadar Panchayat in Khairput block to bathe.
Four of them entered the waterfall holding hands. Suddenly, three lost their footing. Local people managed to rescue one, but two students disappeared in the water.
The missing students belong to Narayanpatna and Jeypore Nuasahi. Police and the Mathili fire service team rushed to the spot and began search operations. Darkness created difficulties, so the rescue resumed early today. Fire service personnel continue searching for the missing youths.
The incident shocked the local community. Gumma waterfall attracts visitors, but accidents occur frequently. Last year, two brothers from Jayapur drowned at the same waterfall while bathing.
Authorities urged caution and highlighted the risks of bathing in strong currents. Families of the missing students wait anxiously as rescue teams intensify their efforts. The tragedy underscores the need for safety awareness at natural tourist spots.
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