Kochi: Drowning incidents during the summer season have claimed three more lives after three dental students drowned in the Palavanpadi river at Vadattupara near Kothamangalam on Sunday. The deceased were identified as Athul Raj, 22, from Kottayam; Hareesh V B, 22, from Thiruvananthapuram; and Biyon Biju, 22, also from Kottayam. All three were students of Baselios Dental College in Kothamangalam.
Incident Details
According to police, the three were part of a group of nine friends who traveled to the area around 12 noon on Sunday. The incident occurred in an area infamous for drowning deaths, as the Palavanpadi river is located downstream of the Idamalayar Dam. The region is known for sudden strong currents and deep pits caused by water rushing from the dam.
Kuttampuzha police stated that Biyon reportedly slipped and fell into a deeper part of the river. Athul and Hareesh were caught in the current when they tried to rescue him. The area had several warning systems and multiple boards advising caution, which had been erected to prevent such accidents, sources said.
Warning Systems and Rescue Efforts
An official mentioned that over half a dozen instruction and warning boards were placed in the area, warning visitors not to venture into the water. The riverbed is sandy, making it difficult for people unfamiliar with the region to stay afloat, said fire officials. The remote area has limited mobile network connectivity, further delaying the incident being reported, sources added. Others in the group sought help from locals to alert emergency services. Residents soon launched a search operation, and police and fire and rescue teams joined them. The bodies of all three were found within 30 minutes, police said. Kuttampuzha police registered a case of unnatural death under Section 194 of the BNSS.
Rising Drowning Deaths in Ernakulam
Fire officials say that April and May record the maximum number of drowning deaths, with victims being mostly children and youngsters. The district has been reporting an average of 100 drowning deaths every year. Ernakulam reported 317 drowning deaths between 2023 and 2025. Recent victims included a 5-year-old boy and at least three teenagers.
Fire and rescue services have identified 68 high-risk zones under 17 fire stations in Ernakulam with a high chance of drowning deaths. Most identified danger zones are in rural areas, including ghats along rivers used for bathing, quarry ponds, tourist locations, regular ponds, and beaches. Paniyeli Poru, Okkal Thuruthu, and Chelamattom are danger zones in Perumbavoor, while Koothattukulam fire station reported six dangerous quarry ponds under its limits. In the city, Mattancherry fire unit identified Thirumala Temple pond, Fort Kochi South Beach, Kochi fisheries harbor, and Chellanam Kannamaly beach as danger zones.
Safety Tips for Swimmers
- Swim or bathe in a place that is regularly used by locals.
- Follow instruction boards and advice of locals.
- Do not swim after dark, especially at an unfamiliar place.
- Never venture into water under the influence of alcohol.
- Do not go into the water without knowing how to swim, even if your friend is an expert.
- Avoid stunts and dangerous adventure activities for reels.
