Amidst the horrific flood situation in Odisha's Bhadrak district, a man displayed remarkable courage and saved his life by clinging to a palm tree for five days. Sunanda Behera, a resident of Balipatna village in Dhamnagar block, was swept away by the strong current of the Pochara River. After no sign of her for several days, family and villagers began searching for her. On Tuesday, some villagers spotted her clinging to a palm tree in the floodwaters, after which, with the help of a rescue team, she was rescued safely.

Survived Five Days Without Food

After being swept away by the river's strong current, Sunanda managed to reach a palm tree and held on to it, remaining afloat. Villagers frantically searched for her, but she was lost for several days. On Tuesday, some people were passing through the Bajapati Khet area by boat when they spotted a man clinging to the tree. Upon closer inspection, she was identified as Sunanda Behera. It was reported that he had been trying to save his life by clinging to the same tree without food for five days. His body had become extremely weak due to constant exposure to water and starvation.

ODRAF Launches Rescue Operation

Villagers immediately informed the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF). The team arrived at the scene amid strong currents and launched an operation to rescue Sunanda. Despite challenging conditions, the rescue team safely brought him to shore. He was then immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors began treatment. His condition is reported to be critical.

Nearly 1,000 People Rescued in Floods

Relief and rescue operations are continuing in flood-affected areas of Odisha. According to UK Dash, Inspector General of Odisha Fire and Emergency Services, approximately 1,000 people, along with 150 domestic animals, have been rescued from the floodwaters so far. 125 fire brigades have been deployed in the six flood-affected districts of the state. While Sunanda Behera's survival by clinging to a tree for five days reflects the horrors of the flood, it is also an example of human courage in adverse circumstances.