Tragic Turn at Duduma Waterfall: YouTuber Swept Away While Filming
Koraput, Odisha – In a harrowing incident at the scenic Duduma Waterfall, a 22-year-old YouTuber, identified as Sagar Kundu (also known on his channel as Sagar Kundu), went missing while filming content for his channel. The episode highlights the perils of filming in natural settings, especially during unpredictable weather conditions.
What Happened
- The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, when Sagar and his friend Abhijit Behera from Cuttack were filming tourist footage around the waterfall using drone equipment.
- Sagar reportedly ventured onto rocks in the middle of the stream—despite warnings from companions—aiming for a dramatic shot.
- Moments later, authorities released approximately 2,000 cusecs of water from the Machakunda Dam due to heavy rainfall in the Lamtaput region, resulting in a sudden surge that swept Sagar off his feet.
Rescue Efforts
- Onlookers attempted to pull Sagar back using ropes, but the strong currents overwhelmed their efforts.
- Emergency teams, including police, fire services, and ODRAF, rushed to the location, and a search operation continued through Sunday.
- However, by late evening, only a bag containing batteries and filming equipment had been recovered; Sagar remained untraced. Search efforts were paused overnight and planned to resume the following day.
Aftermath and Public Reaction
- The incident prompted criticism of the so-called “reel culture,” where content creators take dangerous risks for striking visuals. As one comment noted, “Reel culture will finish everything.”
- This isn’t the first such occurrence at Duduma—locals recalled a similar tragedy earlier in the year when a tourist went missing under comparable conditions.
- The recurring incidents have sparked calls from local communities for better warning systems, safety measures, and regulation around high-risk tourist spots.
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