In a tragic incident in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district, five people lost their lives while attempting to save a minor girl from drowning in the Tungabhadra River. The incident took place on Sunday evening near the Mantralayam area, a popular pilgrimage site on the banks of the river.
Details of the Incident
The minor girl, identified as 12-year-old Lakshmi, slipped into the river while taking a bath. Upon hearing her cries for help, several locals jumped into the river to rescue her. However, the strong currents swept them away. The deceased include three men and two women, all residents of nearby villages.
Rescue Efforts
Local fishermen and other bystanders attempted to help, but the powerful currents made rescue operations difficult. The bodies were recovered later by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police. The girl was also rescued and is reported to be in stable condition at a local hospital.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also directed officials to ensure better safety measures at the riverbank.
Such incidents highlight the dangers of strong river currents, especially during the monsoon season. Authorities have urged visitors to exercise caution while venturing into rivers and to avoid bathing in deep or fast-flowing waters.
