The flood situation in Bihar remains a major concern as the Ganga and several other rivers continue to flow at high levels, putting low-lying areas at risk of inundation and disrupting normal life in several parts of the state. Authorities have intensified monitoring, rescue preparedness and relief operations in vulnerable districts as water levels remain elevated.

The Ganga has crossed critical levels at several locations, while rivers including the Gandak, Kosi, Ghaghra, Punpun and Budhi Gandak are also flowing above danger marks at multiple points. The rising water levels have increased the risk for communities living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas.

Ganga crosses critical level in Patna

The situation is particularly significant in Patna, where the Ganga recently crossed its highest flood mark at Gandhi Ghat. The river's water level rose sharply amid heavy rainfall, increasing the possibility of flooding in vulnerable parts of the city and surrounding areas. 

The latest developments have prompted authorities to maintain close surveillance of river levels and embankments while preparing for further escalation.

More than 10 lakh people affected

According to official bulletins cited in recent reports, around 10.26 lakh people across 11 districts had been affected by the floods. The situation has also affected transportation and everyday activities in several areas. (Business Standard)

Saran is among the districts reporting significant flood-related disruption, with rising levels of the Ganga, Saryu and Gandak affecting villages and forcing residents to rely on boats in inundated areas. (The Economic Times)

NDRF, SDRF teams deployed

The Bihar government has stepped up emergency preparedness, with 33 rescue teams, including six NDRF and 27 SDRF teams, deployed in vulnerable areas. Nearly 700 government-operated boats are also being used for evacuation, transportation and relief operations. (The Indian Express)

Authorities have also been instructed to keep relief camps and community kitchens operational in affected areas so that food and other essential supplies can reach residents who are unable to leave their homes easily.

Embankments and vulnerable areas under watch

With river levels remaining high, officials are closely monitoring embankments and other vulnerable points. Ground-level assessments are being carried out in flood-affected areas to identify locations requiring immediate intervention.

The administration has also been asked to ensure that relief material reaches affected communities without delay and that rescue resources remain available in areas facing a worsening flood threat.

Railway services affected

The rising water levels have also affected railway operations in parts of Bihar. Several trains have reportedly been cancelled or diverted because of flooding and water levels at vulnerable locations. (The Indian Express)

The disruption adds to the difficulties faced by residents in flood-affected districts, particularly those dependent on rail connectivity for travel and access to essential services.

Rain and rising rivers keep authorities alert

The flood situation comes amid continued rainfall in parts of Bihar and neighbouring regions. The India Meteorological Department's latest forecast has also indicated the possibility of heavy rainfall in Bihar, making continued monitoring necessary. (The Economic Times)

For residents in low-lying and riverbank areas, authorities have urged continued vigilance and adherence to local advisories. With several major rivers still running at elevated levels, the immediate focus remains on preventing loss of life, ensuring evacuation where necessary and maintaining uninterrupted delivery of food, water and other essential supplies.

The administration is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely as river levels and rainfall patterns evolve over the coming days.

A fresh rescue operation was launched in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district on Wednesday to trace a 14-year-old boy and an 18-year-old youth who were swept away in separate river incidents on Nag Panchami. Both went missing after being caught in strong currents in the Bichhiya and Tamas rivers on Monday evening. SDRF teams searched for them through Tuesday but could not locate either of them. The operation was stopped after darkness and resumed the next morning.

The first incident took place near Itar in the Gudh police station area, where 14-year-old Shiva Rawat, son of Pradhan Rawat and a resident of Ganganiva in Deotalab, fell into the Bichhiya River. According to the information available, Shiva had reached the riverbank on Nag Panchami and was crossing a bridge when he reportedly lost his footing and fell into the swollen river. The current was strong, and he was swept away before anyone could reach him.

The second incident was reported from Chilla Ghat in the Teonthar area. Eighteen-year-old Sahil Ansari, son of Kamaluddin and a resident of Kharra Tola in Mauganj, was bathing in the Tamas River with a friend when he was caught in the current. His companion managed to get out of the water, but Sahil was swept away. Information about the incident was subsequently given to the authorities, following which a search operation was launched.

SDRF teams conducted searches at both locations throughout Tuesday. The swollen rivers and strong currents made the operation difficult, with rescuers having to search different stretches of the waterways. Despite several hours of effort, there was no confirmed trace of either Shiva or Sahil. The search was called off after darkness because continuing the operation in low visibility and strong currents could have created additional risks for the rescue teams.

The search resumed on Wednesday morning. SDRF personnel and divers were deployed at the two rivers, with teams checking possible locations where the victims could have been carried by the current. The search is also being extended downstream based on the direction of the water flow.

Family members of both missing persons have been waiting for updates from the rescue teams. The exact locations where the two may have been carried remain unclear, and officials are continuing the search based on the river conditions and available information. The situation was still developing when the operation resumed, with teams expected to continue searching the affected stretches of the Bichhiya and Tamas rivers.

At least three workers are feared trapped inside an under-construction tunnel at a hydroelectric project site in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district after water and debris entered the tunnel on Thursday evening. Sixteen workers have been rescued, officials said.

The incident occurred at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) Limited's project site in the Pipalkoti area. Construction work at the site is being carried out by the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC).

18–19 Workers Were Trapped

According to information released by the Uttarakhand government, around 18 to 19 workers were inside the tunnel when water and debris suddenly entered at around 7 pm.

Rescue teams initially managed to bring out eight workers. Another eight workers were subsequently rescued, taking the total number of people brought out safely to 16.

Officials said some of the rescued workers suffered minor injuries, but their condition was reported to be stable.

Rescue Operation Underway

A large-scale rescue operation has been launched to locate and evacuate the remaining workers.

Teams from the Uttarakhand Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and other agencies reached the site shortly after receiving information about the incident.

A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Rudraprayag has also been sent to Pipalkoti. Teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Army have been deployed to assist in the operation.

Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar reached the site and is overseeing the rescue efforts.

CM Dhami Orders Swift Action

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed concern over the incident and directed officials to conduct rescue and relief operations on a priority basis.

Dhami said the government's foremost objective was to ensure the safe evacuation of every worker still believed to be inside the tunnel.

The chief minister said he was receiving real-time updates on the rescue operation and instructed the concerned agencies to work with urgency.

Chief Secretary Reviews Situation

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan said the administration had received information that several workers were trapped after water and debris entered the tunnel.

Officials are coordinating the response through multiple agencies as rescue personnel work to reach the remaining workers.

Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department, said the situation was being continuously monitored through emergency operation centres.

He added that additional teams would be deployed if required.

Focus on Safe Evacuation

The priority for rescuers is to establish access to the section of the tunnel where the remaining workers are believed to be trapped and safely bring them out.

Authorities have not yet released detailed information about the exact cause of the sudden water and debris flow.

The incident has prompted the mobilisation of multiple disaster-response and security agencies as the rescue operation continues at the Pipalkoti project site.

The search for 31-year-old Indore resident Adwait Upadhyay, who went missing while trekking in the Shivagange hills near Nelamangala in Bengaluru, entered its seventh day on Thursday, with rescue teams yet to locate him.

Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire department teams continued searching different sections of the approximately 4,500-foot-high Shivagange hills. Drones are also being used to scan difficult and inaccessible stretches of the terrain.

At the same time, Bengaluru Police have expanded the investigation beyond the search operation. Adwait's mobile phone and drone were found near Shantala Drop, prompting investigators to examine his mobile location history, call detail records (CDR), SIM connections, digital activity and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Mobile, SIM Connections Under Scanner

Adwait's mobile phone was recovered near Shantala Drop. Investigators are examining its location data, call records and other digital activity.

Police are also checking whether another SIM card had been issued in Adwait's name. Investigators are looking into the possibility of any additional number or SIM connection that could have been used by him or could provide information about his contacts before he went missing.

The objective is to establish a detailed timeline of his movements and communications.

Police Examine August 6-7 Calls

The call records from August 6 and 7 are being treated as important parts of the investigation. Police are checking whom Adwait contacted during these two days, apart from his fiancée.

Investigators are also examining his interactions with female friends and other acquaintances. Officials are trying to determine who was in contact with him before his disappearance and whether any conversation provides clues about his movements, state of mind or reason for visiting the hills.

Police have not identified anyone as a suspect and have not confirmed any dispute. These contacts are being examined as part of the investigation.

Drone Purchase Becomes Key Lead

Adwait's drone was also recovered near Shantala Drop. Police are now investigating when and where the device was purchased and whether anyone accompanied him at the time.

Investigators are seeking information from the drone manufacturer, local dealers and others involved in its sale. They are checking the purchase date, payment details and other transaction records.

The police are also examining the drone's technical data to determine when it was last flown and whether photographs or videos stored on the device could provide clues about Adwait's movements.

Difficult Terrain Complicates Search

The Shivagange hills are characterised by rocky terrain, steep sections and narrow trails. Rain has also made several stretches slippery and difficult to access.

Multiple SDRF, police and fire department teams are searching different parts of the hill. Drones are being deployed to survey areas where rescue personnel cannot easily reach.

Special attention is being given to the Shantala Drop area because Adwait's mobile phone and drone were recovered there. His bag and sweater had also reportedly been found near the same broader area earlier.

Digital Searches Raise Questions

Investigators have found indications that Adwait may have visited Shivagange on August 4, despite his fiancée's complaint stating that he left for trekking on the morning of August 7.

Police are therefore examining his activities between August 4 and August 7 to establish why he may have visited the area earlier.

His laptop search history reportedly contained searches related to the height of Shivagange hills, routes leading to Shantala Drop and different trekking paths.

Police also found searches using an AI tool concerning how long a person could survive after falling from a height and what could happen to the body following such a fall.

Investigators are considering whether this could indicate a possible self-harm angle. However, police have stressed that search history alone cannot establish what happened and that it must be assessed alongside CDRs, CCTV footage, mobile data and other circumstantial evidence.

Last Contact With Fiancée

According to the missing-person complaint, Adwait called his fiancée at around 7:30 am on August 7 and told her that he was going trekking in the Shivagange hills.

He subsequently stopped responding to calls.

His fiancée filed a missing-person complaint at the Kadugodi police station in Bengaluru's Whitefield subdivision at around 8 pm on August 7. The case was later referred to Nelamangala Police as the search area was identified around Shivagange.

Family Awaits Breakthrough

Adwait is the only son of his family. His father, Professor Pramod Upadhyay, died of a heart attack in 2016. His mother later received a compassionate appointment in the accounts department and subsequently took voluntary retirement. She currently lives alone in Indore.

Adwait had been living in Bengaluru for several years and was working as an engineer at a finance company. He had previously worked as a software professional.

His family remains deeply concerned as the search continues. Relatives have reportedly avoided speaking to the media while waiting for updates from the rescue teams and investigators.

Adwait's fiancée also declined to comment when contacted by Dainik Bhaskar, asking that questions about the case be directed to Bengaluru Police.

Vijayvargiya Speaks to Family

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has also spoken to Adwait's family and assured them that he would contact Bengaluru Police and help coordinate efforts to locate him.

Indore Crime Branch is also in touch with Bengaluru Police. Information relating to Adwait's family and contacts in Indore is being shared as part of the investigation.

For now, the search and investigation are proceeding on two fronts — rescue teams are scanning the difficult terrain of the Shivagange hills using personnel and drones, while police are examining mobile data, SIM connections, CDRs, digital searches and the history of Adwait's drone purchase.

No definitive conclusion has yet been reached about what happened to Adwait.

Continuous heavy rainfall across Chhattisgarh has triggered widespread flooding, inundating several Border Security Force (BSF) camps in Narayanpur district and forcing security personnel to climb onto rooftops and trees before being rescued. The incident comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning across several parts of the state over the next two days.

Videos shared by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) on social media showed floodwaters engulfing BSF camps in Narayanpur, with stranded personnel being evacuated through coordinated rescue operations. Security teams used ropes and other rescue equipment to safely move the jawans to secure locations after rising water levels cut off access to the camps.

Heavy Rain Triggers Flood Emergency

According to the weather department, a deep depression over Vidarbha and adjoining Madhya Pradesh remains active. The monsoon trough is currently passing through Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Indore and the centre of the weather system, resulting in persistent rainfall across large parts of Chhattisgarh over the past two days.

The continuing downpour has affected several districts, causing rivers to swell, roads to be submerged and low-lying areas to flood.

SDRF Rescues Family Trapped in Arang

In another rescue operation, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) evacuated six members of a family stranded inside their house in Nisda village of Arang after floodwaters surrounded the property. Rescue teams used a motorboat to safely bring all family members to higher ground.

Rivers Overflow, Infrastructure Damaged

The impact of the heavy rainfall has been visible across several regions of the state.

The Mahanadi river flowing between Raigarh and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh reached the danger mark, raising concerns for nearby settlements. In Gariaband district, a bridge under construction over the Udanti River reportedly suffered severe damage due to strong water currents.

In Dantewada, authorities have reported an increased risk of landslides along the Aranpur-Jagargunda road, while in Kanker, a canal project reportedly sustained damage during the ongoing monsoon. In Dhamtari district, the body of a man was recovered from the Mahanadi River following a drowning incident.

Flooding has also disrupted connectivity near the Sabari-Godavari river confluence, with water flowing above the Kunavaram bridge and affecting traffic on the NH-30 route connecting Sukma with Hyderabad.

Rain and Lightning Alert for Next Two Days

The IMD has predicted that several parts of Chhattisgarh are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall on Saturday, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations. Similar weather conditions are expected to continue for at least the next two days as the weather system remains active over central India.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.

Raipur Records Highest Day Temperature

Among major weather observations, Raipur recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 33.2°C, while Pendra Road registered the lowest minimum temperature at 22°C.

The capital city is expected to remain cloudy throughout the day with intermittent rain and thunderstorms. The maximum temperature is likely to remain around 33°C, while the minimum is expected to hover near 25°C.

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Receives Highest Rainfall

Rainfall data for the current monsoon season shows Sarangarh-Bilaigarh as the state's wettest district, recording 769.1 mm of rainfall—approximately 76 per cent above normal, making it the only district in Chhattisgarh to fall under the category of very heavy excess rainfall.

Across the state, rainfall distribution remains uneven. One district has recorded over 60 per cent excess rainfall, five districts have received 20–59 per cent above-normal rainfall, while sixteen districts remain within the normal rainfall range. Eleven districts continue to report rainfall that is 20–59 per cent below normal, although no district has recorded an extreme rainfall deficit so far.

 A 30-year-old man from Indore was swept away by the strong currents of the Narmada River while taking a bath at the Sahastradhara Ghat in Maheshwar on Sunday evening. The incident, captured on video, unfolded in front of his wife and brother, who cried for help as the victim disappeared into the fast-flowing river within seconds.

The missing man has been identified as Arpit Hada, a resident of Nipania in Indore. Search operations, involving police, SDRF personnel, Home Guard teams and local divers, resumed early Monday after rescue efforts on Sunday were suspended due to darkness.

Family Trip Ends in Tragedy

According to police, Arpit had travelled to Maheshwar with five family members for a weekend outing. After visiting the famous Maheshwar temples, the family reached Sahastradhara in Jalkoti between 4 pm and 5 pm.

While bathing in the river, Arpit reportedly slipped on the rocky riverbed and was pulled into deeper waters by the strong current.

His wife and brother immediately raised an alarm and appealed to nearby tourists and boatmen for help. However, due to the swift current, deep water and rocky terrain, no one could safely enter the river. Within moments, Arpit was swept downstream and disappeared from sight.

Video Captures the Incident

A video of the incident has surfaced, showing the young man struggling against the powerful current before being swept away. The footage also captures the desperate cries of his family members as bystanders watched helplessly.

The video has since gone viral on social media, once again highlighting the dangers posed by strong river currents during the monsoon season.

Rescue Teams Continue Search

Maheshwar Police, Home Guard personnel and local divers launched a rescue operation immediately after receiving information about the incident.

Search teams combed various deep pools and stretches of the river until late Sunday evening but could not locate the missing man. The operation was halted after nightfall and resumed at 6 am on Monday, with SDRF teams using boats to search downstream.

Officials said the search operation is continuing, but no trace of Arpit had been found at the time of filing this report.

Father Recalls Son's Last Words

Arpit's father, Amar Singh Hada, said his son had left Indore with family members around 1 pm on Sunday.

"He only told us that he was going out and would return soon. He never mentioned that he was visiting Maheshwar," he said.

The grieving father added that Arpit operated his own business under the name Jaivik Poshan All India. He had been married for nearly five years and is survived by his wife Pooja and their three-year-old son.

Authorities Issue Safety Advisory

Police have warned tourists and devotees against entering unfamiliar or deep sections of the Narmada River, especially during the monsoon when water levels and currents increase significantly.

The Station House Officer said Sahastradhara is known for its strong flow, rocky surface and deep water, making it one of the most dangerous bathing spots during the rainy season.

Fourth Such Incident in Three Months

Officials said this is the fourth drowning or river-current-related incident reported in the Sahastradhara-Narmada stretch over the past three months. Similar accidents were recorded on May 11, June 10 and June 27.

Following the repeated incidents, SDM Purva Mandloi said a proposal would be sent to senior authorities seeking permanent deployment of trained divers and additional police personnel in the area to improve safety and emergency response.

The administration has urged visitors to strictly follow safety advisories and avoid entering rivers during periods of heavy rainfall and strong currents.

The incident occurred under the Pachpedi police station limits, where continuous rainfall has significantly increased the water level and flow of the Shivnath River.

According to police, the missing fisherman has been identified as Sukhdev Kevat, a resident of Jondhara village in Bilaspur district. He earned his livelihood by catching and selling fish in nearby villages and local markets.

Officials said Sukhdev left his home around noon on Thursday to fish in the Shivnath River near his village. When he failed to catch enough fish, he reportedly attempted to cross the river towards the Lavan area in neighbouring Balodabazar district in search of better fishing spots.

During the crossing, he was caught in the river's strong current after the water level rose rapidly. Unable to withstand the force of the flowing water, he lost his balance and was swept away downstream.

Villagers who witnessed the incident immediately alerted the police. Local residents also began searching the riverbank before rescue teams arrived at the spot.

Considering that the incident occurred near the boundary of Bilaspur, Janjgir-Champa and Balodabazar districts, police from all three districts coordinated the rescue operation. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were also deployed to conduct an intensive search in the river.

Rescue personnel continued searching until late evening using boats and other available equipment. However, the operation was hampered by the strong water current and poor visibility, preventing divers from carrying out an extensive underwater search.

Police officials said the search had to be suspended after nightfall due to safety concerns.

Pachpedi police station in-charge Kamla Pusam said the rescue operation would resume on Friday morning. SDRF personnel are expected to extend the search downstream in the direction of the river's flow, where the missing fisherman is believed to have been carried by the floodwaters.

Authorities have also appealed to residents living along the riverbanks to immediately inform the police if they notice any signs that could assist the search teams.

The incident comes amid rising river levels across several parts of Chhattisgarh following persistent rainfall. District administrations have repeatedly advised people to avoid entering rivers, canals and other water bodies during the monsoon because of sudden increases in water flow.

Local residents said Sukhdev was an experienced fisherman who had been working in the river for several years. However, they noted that the unusually strong current created dangerous conditions even for those familiar with the area.

Police said further action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing search operation. The family of the missing fisherman has been informed, and officials are continuing efforts to locate him as rescue teams prepare to resume operations.

Two students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district were found dead after allegedly drowning in a pond located within the school campus, triggering serious concerns over safety and supervision at the fully residential institution.

The victims have been identified as Pragyan Vimal (15), a Class 10 student, and Roshan Baretha (14), who studied in Class 9. While Pragyan's body was recovered floating in the pond early Tuesday morning, Roshan's body was found nearly 21 hours after the incident following an extensive search operation by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local divers.

Students Went Missing from Hostel

According to police, both students went missing from their hostel on Monday evening. When they failed to return to their rooms, school authorities informed the police.

A search operation was immediately launched by the Ghatia police. Officers examined CCTV footage from the campus and questioned fellow students, but no trace of the boys was found during the night.

The search resumed on Tuesday morning after information was received about a body floating in a pond situated near the school's boundary.

Bodies Recovered During Rescue Operation

At around 6 a.m., villagers alerted authorities after spotting a body floating in the pond. The body was recovered and identified as Pragyan Vimal. His remains were sent to the district hospital for post-mortem examination.

The search for Roshan continued throughout the day. SDRF personnel, assisted by local divers, eventually recovered his body approximately 21 hours after the incident. Both bodies have been shifted to the mortuary and will be handed over to their families after post-mortem formalities.

Safety Measures Under Scrutiny

The incident has raised questions over the security arrangements at the residential school. Authorities are investigating how two minor students managed to leave their hostel rooms unnoticed during the night.

Family members and local residents have alleged lapses in night roll-call procedures, hostel supervision, and campus security. They have demanded accountability if negligence by the school administration is established.

Police officials said further action will depend on the findings of the post-mortem reports and the ongoing investigation. If any negligence on the part of the school management is confirmed, legal action will be initiated against those responsible.

Family Mourns Personal Loss

Pragyan Vimal's death has deeply affected his family. He was the only brother among three sisters and had lost both his parents earlier. Following his father's death, his elder sister received a compassionate government appointment and had been supporting his education while he studied at the Navodaya school.

Authorities are continuing the investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragic deaths.

Students from GRMC went into restricted area; search resumed at dawn

 Rescue teams recovered the body of one MBBS student late Saturday night and continued searching on Sunday for his friend after both reportedly drowned in the Tiaghara (Tighra) Dam on the outskirts of Gwalior. Initial reports indicate the two slipped into a deep, muddy section of the reservoir while visiting a restricted, rocky stretch where public access is prohibited.

What happened
According to police and rescue officials, the incident occurred around 7pm on Saturday in the “kacchi paar” area roughly 3 km from the boat club. Eight second‑year students from Gajraraja Medical College (GRMC) had gone for a picnic — four male and four female classmates — and were standing near the water when 21‑year‑old Gopal Agrawal (Bina, Sagar) and Ayush Srivastava (Muzaffarpur, Bihar) moved closer and stepped into the water. Witnesses said both students suddenly lost their footing and sank in an area estimated to be 40–50 feet deep.

Recovery and ongoing search
Local police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and trained divers were called after other students found the victims’ shoes and clothes neatly placed on the rocky bank and could not locate them. Gopal’s body was recovered late Saturday night, officials said. Search operations for Ayush resumed before dawn on Sunday and were still under way at the time of filing.

“Teams worked through the night using boats and high‑power lights,” a senior police official at the scene told reporters. “Local divers and SDRF personnel are conducting grid searches, but the dam’s depth, mud and submerged boulders are making the operation difficult.” Authorities said Ayush’s search had been active since 6am on Sunday.

Official responses
Circle Superintendent of Police (CSP) Krishanpal Singh said families of both students had been informed and reached Gwalior. “We reached the site immediately after the information came in and are coordinating with SDRF and local diving teams,” he said. The Tighra Dam’s flow and the restricted status of the ‘kacchi paar’ area complicate both access and visibility, Singh added.

At Gajraraja Medical College, Dean Dr RKS Dhakad described the incident as a “very sad loss” for the institution. “They had gone out for a picnic. This is a huge blow for the college and for the families,” he said, declining to give further comment while relatives were en route.

Family reactions
Relatives of the deceased reached Gwalior in the early hours of Sunday. Gopal’s brother Piyush and other family members arrived after receiving the message late Saturday night. A family member, Pradeep Agrawal, said Gopal was the youngest of five siblings and that his elder brother had been supporting his medical education. “He cleared NEET on his first attempt in 2024 and was very bright. He used to say he would stand shoulder to shoulder with his brother,” Pradeep said, adding that the family was in shock.

Ayush’s family has departed Muzaffarpur for Gwalior and were expected to arrive by Sunday afternoon, officials confirmed.

Why rescue is tough
Rescue personnel warned that submerged silt and irregular rocky contours under the dam make dive operations hazardous and time‑consuming. “The depth varies sharply; divers can’t see well because of mud and suspended particles. We are using sonar and manual grid searches where possible,” an SDRF team leader said.

Public safety and next steps
Tighra Dam officials reiterated that the kacchi paar area is off‑limits to visitors and urged people to avoid entering restricted zones. The local police said they would continue search operations until all possibilities were exhausted and would examine whether safety signage or enforcement around the dam needs strengthening.

Investigating officers said they will record statements from the surviving students and witnesses, and submit a preliminary report to the district authorities. Meanwhile, the college has offered counselling support to classmates and staff.

Two residents of Rewa district died on Thursday afternoon after their motorcycle plunged into a roughly 200-foot gorge at the popular Kyonti (क्योंटी) waterfall, officials said. Rescue teams took about three hours to retrieve the victims' bodies from the steep, rocky ravine.

Immediate rescue response

According to police and rescue officials, the accident occurred in the early afternoon near Kyonti waterfall, a known local picnic spot in Rewa. The deceased were identified as 19-year-old Ayush Gautam (son of Anil Gautam) of Shigti and 23-year-old Santosh Patel (son of Rama Patel) of Chhattargarh, police said.

Local residents alerted authorities after seeing the motorcycle and signs of a crash at the waterfall edge. “We received the first call around midday and teams were dispatched immediately,” an officer at the Newagadhi police station said. The District Rescue Cell (DRC), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police jointly launched the operation.

Difficult terrain hampered access

Initial reports indicate the bike went over the edge and both riders fell onto rocks far below, making immediate access hazardous. “They had struck the rocks in the ravine,” an SDRF team leader, Vikas Pandey, told reporters. Pandey said the team reached the site soon after notification and worked with police and DRC personnel to locate and recover the bodies.

The gorge’s steepness and loose rock made the operation slow and risky. Rescuers used ropes and technical gear to descend into the chasm, stabilise the site and bring the bodies up. The joint operation lasted about three hours before both victims were brought to the surface, officials said.

Sequence of events

• Midday: Locals noticed wreckage and alerted police.

• Within an hour: Police, DRC and SDRF teams arrived and assessed the scene.

• Next three hours: Technical recovery operation using ropes and climbing gear.

• Late afternoon: Bodies were recovered and taken to Rewa district hospital for post-mortem and further legal formalities.

Investigation under way

Police said a formal investigation has begun to establish the cause of the crash. “We are examining whether speed, road condition near the waterfall or rider error contributed to the fall,” a senior police official said. The motorcycle has been seized as evidence and witnesses from nearby shops and passersby are being questioned.

Autopsy and legal steps

The bodies were sent for post-mortem at Rewa District Hospital; results and cause-of-death details will be recorded in the subsequent police report. Local police confirmed that legal procedures, including filing of an accidental death report, were under way.

Safety concerns at Kyonti

Kyonti waterfall attracts visitors, especially on weekends and public holidays, because of its scenic drop and natural pools. Locals and authorities have repeatedly warned about steep edges, slippery rocks and lack of safety barriers at several viewpoints. This accident has prompted renewed calls for basic safety measures around the site.

Residents and visitors react

People who frequent the falls said crowds and two-wheelers parked dangerously close to the edge increase risks, particularly when roads are narrow and visibility is limited. “They come for selfies and sometimes park their bikes near the crest,” a shopkeeper near the site said. “There are no guardrails in many places; one wrong turn and you could go over.”

What happens next

Police said the probe will look into whether negligence or reckless driving played a role and whether authorities should install signage, barriers or restricted parking. The district administration did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment on the need for safety upgrades at Kyonti.

For now, the focus remains on completing medico-legal formalities and informing the families. Local leaders and community members said they would press officials to review safety at the waterfall to prevent similar tragedies.

Silpara Dam search intensifies

Search operations at Silpara Dam and its adjoining canal entered a critical phase on Monday after the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Varanasi arrived here to assist local agencies. Authorities said the additional resources aim to boost efforts to find two men who have been missing since separate incidents in May and June.

What happened

According to officials, 23-year-old Arun Kumar Vishwakarma vanished on the night of 18 May. Three days later, police found his motorcycle and a single slipper abandoned on the bank of the Silpara canal, prompting an underwater search amid fears he had drowned. Separate reports say 28-year-old soldier Gaurav Dwivedi went missing on 3 June after he waded into deep water while bathing at the Silpara reservoir near Baghwar village.

Timeline and local response

Local police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and divers launched sustained searches in the canal and reservoir immediately after each disappearance. The canal’s flow was shut twice to facilitate underwater combing, but teams failed to recover either man. Sources familiar with the matter said variable visibility and strong currents have repeatedly hampered divers’ work.

Long-running searches and mounting frustration

Extended, unsuccessful search efforts have heightened tensions in the area. Relatives and villagers staged a road blockade on Sunday, alleging inadequate early response and insufficient resources during the initial days of the hunt. “We told them from the start to bring specialized teams, but the search went on without them for too long,” a family member told reporters, declining to be named.

Police and administration response

Bichhiya police and district officers defended their earlier actions while acknowledging gaps. “Initial searches were carried out with the resources available locally,” an official said. “Given the complexity, we requested NDRF assistance and coordinated the team’s arrival from Varanasi.” District administration sources said the NDRF contingent brought advanced sonar equipment and specialist divers to improve underwater detection.

What the NDRF will do

NDRF personnel began inspecting the dam and canal banks on arrival and will deploy side-scan sonar, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and trained rescue divers, officials said. These instruments help map the bed and detect anomalies where bodies or large objects could be lodged, especially in silty or low-visibility conditions. “We will work in coordination with local police and SDRF to cover all probable zones systematically,” an NDRF officer at the site said.

Ground-level conditions

Locals describe the reservoir’s far bank as steep and muddy, with submerged vegetation and uneven bed profiles that complicate searches. Heavy monsoon inflows have not begun in full, but isolated rains in the past week raised water turbidity, witnesses said. Search teams have been focusing on bends, culverts and deeper pockets where currents could trap bodies.

Public pressure and next steps

Families of both missing men have demanded an expanded, continuous operation until results are found. They want more manpower, around-the-clock sonar sweeps and clear public briefings on progress. District officials said the NDRF deployment marks an upgrade in capability and that searches will continue daily until warranted by findings.

Legal and administrative follow-up

Police have registered missing-person reports in both cases; investigations are ongoing to determine circumstances that led to the disappearances. Officials said they are also reviewing whether procedural delays occurred during the initial response and will record findings once operations conclude.

Why it matters

Silpara is a lifeline for nearby villages for irrigation and daily chores. Incidents like these raise broader safety questions about access, signage and public awareness at water bodies that see frequent local use. Residents and officials say they expect the NDRF’s technical edge to either produce evidence or narrow search zones, offering some closure to the families.

Late-night disaster on Betwa river

At least six labourers were killed early Friday after a concrete slab of an under-construction bridge collapsed on the Betwa river in Hamirpur district. The incident took place around 3 AM when a sudden, intense storm accompanied by heavy rain swept through the region.

Officials said the workers were either sleeping or working underneath the slab when the supporting structure gave way. The collapse trapped several people under heavy debris. Rescue teams have since pulled out six bodies, but officials fear the number could rise.

Storm triggers collapse

Eyewitnesses and preliminary reports indicate that the severe weather was the immediate trigger. According to Suresh Kumar, a labourer who was on top of the bridge when the storm hit, the wind turned violently around midnight.

“Those from the first shift were resting below. Seven of us from the second shift were working on top. We just lay down flat to save ourselves from the storm. That’s when the slab fell,” Kumar said. He survived but saw colleagues get buried.

Rescue operation underway

A joint rescue operation involving local police, disaster response teams, and JCB machines is active at the site. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) reached the spot by early morning. Officials are removing the concrete rubble piece by piece.

ASP Arvind Kumar Verma confirmed that the alert came in around 2 AM. “Six people are still trapped under the debris. Five have been identified so far,” he said. Senior district officials, including the DM, are present on the ground.

Victims identified

Among the deceased, four hailed from Banda district, while two were from Hamirpur. They have been identified as Lokendra Nishad (22), Kuldeep Nishad (19), Sawant Yadav (28), Sabhajeet (30), Pushpendra Singh Chauhan (34), and Rajesh Pal (42). Family members of the victims, including Rajesh Pal’s young daughters, broke down on reaching the spot.

Officials promise action

Managing Director of the UP Bridge Corporation, Dharmveer Singh, said the bridge was still under construction. “Strong winds disturbed the support system placed beneath the slabs. That caused the segment to collapse. Workers sleeping below had no chance,” he said.

Singh added that the corporation and local administration will conduct a joint investigation. A third-party audit by IIT BHU was already in process for the structure. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the accident. Local BJP MP Brij Lal said the government will investigate and “action will be taken against those responsible.”

What happens next

Rescue work continues as authorities clear heavy debris. Officials have not yet ruled out more casualties. The district administration has announced assistance for the families of the deceased. For now, questions are being raised about safety protocols at the site, especially for overnight shifts during unpredictable weather.