Rescue Operations Underway After Man Swept Away in East Godavari Canal

A tragic incident unfolded in Gopalapuram village, East Godavari district, on the night of November 5, 2026, when a 52-year-old man, Vijaya Kumar, was swept away in an irrigation canal. His niece, who was with him during the incident, managed to survive by clinging to a tree branch. This unfortunate event highlights the dangers posed by heavy rains and the subsequent flooding in the region, exacerbated by Cyclone Murusu.

According to reports from the East Godavari District police, Vijaya Kumar and his niece were traveling on a two-wheeler towards Devarapalli when they encountered treacherous conditions on the Annadevarapeta–Chityala road. The canal, which had breached due to the heavy inflow of rainwater, became a deadly trap. Eyewitnesses reported that the two-wheeler lost traction, leading to the pair being swept into the canal.

The niece's quick thinking saved her life as she managed to grab onto a tree branch along the canal's bank. "I held on tightly, praying for help to arrive," she recounted to rescuers. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), already engaged in relief operations due to the cyclone, quickly responded to the scene and successfully rescued her.

As of now, search operations for Vijaya Kumar are ongoing. The SDRF, along with local police, has mobilized resources to locate him. A missing-person case has been officially registered at the Gopalapuram police station. The police have urged local residents to assist in the search and report any sightings of Vijaya Kumar.

"We are doing everything we can to find him. Our teams are combing the area, but the conditions are challenging due to the ongoing rains and the swollen canal," stated a police officer involved in the search. The community has also come together, with volunteers joining the rescue teams to help in the search efforts.

The incident is a stark reminder of the impact of Cyclone Murusu, which has brought heavy rainfall to the region, leading to flooding and infrastructure damage. The cyclone has affected multiple districts in Andhra Pradesh, with East Godavari being one of the hardest hit. Roads have been rendered impassable, and many families have been displaced due to rising water levels.

Local authorities have been on high alert, issuing warnings and advisories to residents about the dangers of traveling during such severe weather conditions. "We urge everyone to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the situation stabilizes," a district official advised.

The local community has shown remarkable resilience in the face of this tragedy. Neighbors and friends of Vijaya Kumar have come together to support his family during this difficult time. Many have expressed their concern and are actively participating in the search efforts.

"Vijaya is a well-known figure in our village. We are all praying for his safe return and doing everything we can to help find him," said a local resident. The emotional toll on the family is evident, as they await news of Vijaya's fate.

This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness during extreme weather events. As the region continues to deal with the aftermath of Cyclone Murusu, authorities are emphasizing the need for residents to remain vigilant and heed safety warnings. The ongoing search for Vijaya Kumar underscores the urgency of community support and the need for effective disaster response mechanisms.