Odisha DRAF Rescues Eight from Birighat River Floods in Nuapada
Odisha DRAF rescued eight people, including poultry farm owner Dharmudhar Bag and seven workers, trapped overnight by Birighat river floods in Nuapada's Khariar block.
Eight people, including poultry farm owner Dharmudhar Bag and seven workers, were rescued Thursday by the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (DRAF) after being trapped overnight on a rooftop near the Birighat river in Khariar block of Nuapada district. Continuous rain triggered by a low‑pressure system and the opening of five gates of Tikhali Dam on Wednesday caused a sudden surge in river water that inundated the farm and cut off escape routes. The group climbed onto the roof around noon Wednesday and spent the entire night stranded as floodwaters rose.
Local officials, including Khariar BDO Milan Kanu Jhankar and Additional Tahasildar Sudhanshu Shekhar Majhi, dispatched fire services at 1 AM, but strong currents prevented an immediate rescue. At daybreak Thursday, a team from DRAF arrived from Balangir and successfully evacuated all eight individuals using boats. Additional District Magistrate Subhash Chandra Rait, Deputy Collector Surmi Soren, and local police supervised the operation.
How did the flooding trap the group?
The sudden rise in water levels left the poultry farm inundated with no clear escape routes. The eight individuals climbed to the rooftop around noon on Wednesday to stay above the rising floodwaters and remained there through the night. Strong currents later blocked early attempts by fire services to reach them. According to the research material, the flooding was the result of persistent rainfall associated with a low‑pressure system, compounded by the deliberate opening of five gates at the Tikhali Dam to manage upstream water levels, which unexpectedly accelerated the downstream surge.
How was the rescue carried out?
The DRAF team from Balangir reached the site at daybreak and used boats to bring the group to safety. The operation took place under the supervision of senior district officials and local police. One of the rescued workers said: “We couldn’t understand anything when the water suddenly rose. We climbed to the roof to save our lives and spent the night in fear. The administration and DRAF team saved us.” Officials also noted that the fire services had been alerted at 1 AM, but the violent flow made any approach unsafe until daylight allowed the DRAF crews to navigate the river with their rescue craft.
What is the status of those rescued?
Officials confirmed that all eight victims are safe. The farm owner, Dharmudhar Bag, will receive government assistance for losses incurred due to the inundation of his poultry farm. Residents along the riverbank have been urged to remain alert as water levels continue to fluctuate. The swift, coordinated response by Odisha’s disaster teams has been hailed as a model of efficiency and courage, preventing what could have been a major tragedy.
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Who were the eight people rescued from the Birighat river floods?
Poultry farm owner Dharmudhar Bag and seven workers were rescued after being trapped on a rooftop.
Where did the rescue take place?
Near the Birighat river in Khariar block of Nuapada district.
What caused the sudden flooding?
Continuous rain from a low-pressure system and the opening of five gates of Tikhali Dam on Wednesday led to a sudden surge in river water.
When did the group become trapped?
They climbed onto the rooftop around noon on Wednesday and spent the entire night stranded.
Why could fire services not rescue them earlier?
Fire services were dispatched at 1 AM but strong currents prevented immediate rescue.
Which agency carried out the successful rescue?
A team from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (DRAF) arrived from Balangir at daybreak Thursday and used boats.
Who supervised the rescue operation?
Additional District Magistrate Subhash Chandra Rait, Deputy Collector Surmi Soren, and local police supervised the operation.
Are the rescued people safe now?
Officials confirmed that all victims are safe.
Will the farm owner receive any assistance?
The farm owner will receive government assistance for losses.
What advice have officials given to residents?
Residents along the riverbank have been urged to remain alert as water levels continue to fluctuate.
Bibhuti Bhusan Sahu
District Correspondent, Nuapada
Bibhuti Bhusan Sahu reports on Nuapada district's border-area development, migration trends, and local governance for the Mirror.
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