Eight youths drown in Godavari river, six still missing

In a heart-wrenching incident along the Godavari River near the Gadchiroli district border, eight youths drowned while bathing in the river on Saturday evening. The tragedy unfolded around 5 PM near Ambadpalli village, situated on the Telangana side of the Godavari riverbank. While two of the youths were successfully rescued, six remain missing as rescue operations continue. The river, which marks the natural boundary between Maharashtra and Telangana, was reportedly in spate due to heavy rainfall in the region. Authorities believe the young victims were caught off guard by the sudden surge and strong current of the river. The group had ventured into the water near the Medigadda dam, an area known for its swift and unpredictable flow during the monsoon season.

According to preliminary reports, all eight individuals involved in the incident were under the age of 20. Local residents who witnessed the event quickly rushed to the scene and managed to pull two youths to safety. Despite their efforts, six others were swept away and remain unaccounted for. Search and rescue operations are currently being conducted by local authorities with assistance from villagers. However, high water levels and strong currents are posing significant challenges to the efforts. The ongoing monsoon rains have further complicated the situation, raising concerns about the fate of the missing youths.

This tragic event has cast a pall of gloom over the border communities of Maharashtra and Telangana. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution near water bodies, especially during the monsoon, and avoid entering rivers when water levels are high. Further updates are awaited as the rescue operation continues.