SRINAGAR: A search operation is underway in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir after an 18-year-old girl was swept away in a power canal on Sunday. The incident occurred at Thune in the central Kashmir district.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the young woman, who was reportedly months away from her wedding, accidentally fell into the canal while she was near its banks. The identity of the girl has been withheld by officials.
Following the incident, personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, including officials from Police Station Kangan, and local residents immediately rushed to the site to commence initial rescue efforts. However, the operation has been hampered by the high water level and strong currents within the canal.
Rescue teams are currently awaiting a reduction in the water flow before they can launch an intensive search operation inside the canal. A State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team has also been deployed to the location to provide assistance in the ongoing rescue efforts. Officials have stated that once the water level recedes sufficiently, SDRF personnel and other rescue teams will intensify their efforts to locate the missing teenager.
The incident highlights the dangers associated with power canals, especially during periods of high water flow. Local residents often utilise areas near these canals, and authorities periodically issue advisories regarding safety precautions, particularly for children and vulnerable individuals. The strong currents in such water bodies can quickly overwhelm even strong swimmers.
The rescue operation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as efforts to trace the missing girl continue. The immediate focus remains on safely retrieving the teenager. The authorities are coordinating with multiple agencies to ensure the most effective search is conducted under the challenging conditions presented by the canal’s water levels and flow rate. The community has expressed deep concern, with many residents participating in the initial stages of the search alongside the official rescue teams.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
