Sundargarh Floods: Truck Swept Away in Safei River, Driver Missing
Sundargarh,(OT Webdesk) — A trailer truck was swept away by raging floodwaters while crossing the Safei River near Jhantalbud village on Tuesday morning, as torrential rains continue to batter the region.
The dramatic incident, captured on mobile video, shows the vehicle being engulfed by the swollen river.
The truck’s driver, Sujit Aind, remains missing despite intensified search operations by fire services personnel. His helper, Abinash Barala, was rescued by local villagers, narrowly escaping the powerful current.
The flooding was triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which has unleashed relentless rainfall across Odisha.
The Subarnarekha River breached its danger mark, submerging homes and farmland, while over 100 villages in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts have been marooned. More than 3,500 residents have been evacuated from low-lying areas.
Residential zones in Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari blocks are inundated, prompting authorities to issue warnings against crossing flooded bridges and roads.
Relief efforts are underway, but the situation remains precarious with rainfall expected to persist for another 48 hours.
