Farmer Stranded on Tree for Three Hours Rescued in Sundargarh Flood
A farmer was stranded atop a tree for nearly three hours after floodwaters inundated his field near Bijadihi in Sundargarh district on Sunday before being rescued by Fire Services.
A farmer was stranded atop a tree for nearly three hours after sudden floodwaters inundated his agricultural field near Bijadihi in Sundargarh district on Sunday, 16 August 2026. He had gone to harvest pointed gourd with fellow workers when the water rose rapidly, forcing him to climb a tree to stay above the swirling currents. Fire Services personnel reached the spot, conducted a rescue, and brought him to Gurundia hospital for medical attention. The incident unfolded amid heavy rainfall across Odisha that raised water levels in low‑lying areas.
How did the farmer become trapped in the floodwaters?
According to sources, "a group of farmers had gone to their fields near Bijadihi to harvest pointed gourd when floodwater suddenly entered the area." Caught off guard by the rapidly rising water, one of them was unable to reach higher ground and climbed a tree to stay above the swirling waters. He remained perched for nearly three hours as the surrounding area stayed submerged, with water churning around the trunk. His fellow farmers and local residents tried to reach him but could not break through the flooded field, and eventually they sought help after failing to bring him to safety themselves.
What actions did the Fire Services take to rescue him?
A Fire Services team reached the spot and launched a rescue operation. They approached the tree, secured the farmer, and brought him safely out of the flooded area. After the extraction, he was taken to Gurundia hospital for medical attention. The prompt response of the Fire Services prevented further harm and highlighted the effectiveness of local emergency services in flood emergencies.
Why are flood risks increasing in Odisha’s Sundargarh district?
The dramatic rescue came amid heavy rainfall in several parts of Odisha, with rising water levels posing a growing risk to people living or working in low‑lying areas. The incident comes days after two separate cases of youths being swept away while bathing were reported from Keonjhar and Jagatsinghpur districts on July 31. In Champua in Keonjhar, two youths were swept away by a strong current in the main canal of the Kanpur Dam while bathing. One was carried away first, while the other was swept away when he attempted to rescue him. Both eventually managed to cling to separate trees inside the canal, helping them stay above the water until rescue efforts were undertaken. These events underscore the broader flood dangers facing the state during the monsoon season.
Who was rescued in the Sundargarh flood incident?
A farmer who had gone to harvest pointed gourd near Bijadihi was rescued after being stranded on a tree for nearly three hours.
How long was the farmer stranded on the tree?
He remained perched on the tree for nearly three hours before Fire Services rescued him.
Where did the flood incident occur in Sundargarh district?
The incident occurred in an agricultural field near Bijadihi under Bonaigarh police limits in Sundargarh district.
What caused the farmer to become trapped in the floodwaters?
Sudden floodwater entered the area while he and fellow farmers were harvesting pointed gourd, forcing him to climb a tree when he could not reach higher ground.
Which agency rescued the farmer and where was he taken for treatment?
A Fire Services team rescued the farmer and took him to Gurundia hospital for medical attention.
What weather conditions contributed to the flood situation in Odisha?
Heavy rainfall across Odisha raised water levels, causing flooding in low-lying areas including Sundargarh district.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
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