YouTuber Missing at Duduma Waterfall: Search Continues for 5th Day
YouTuber Sagar Kundu missing for 5 days after being swept away at Duduma waterfall.
The search for 22-year-old YouTuber Sagar Kundu from Berhampur, Odisha, entered its fifth day after he was swept away by strong currents at the 175-meter Duduma waterfall in Koraput district on August 23.
Kundu, who was filming reels for his YouTube channel, ignored warnings from friends about rising water levels due to a sudden release of approximately 2,000 cusecs of water from the Machkund dam, triggered by heavy rainfall in the Lamtaput area. A viral video captured the tragic moment as Kundu, stranded on a rock, pleaded for rescue before being engulfed by the torrent.
Despite desperate attempts by bystanders to throw ropes, the powerful currents overwhelmed rescue efforts. Kundu’s friend, Abhijit Behera, recounted, “He was requesting me with folded hands for rescue, but we couldn’t save him.”
A joint operation involving the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Lamtaput Fire Service, and Machkund police has recovered a bag containing Kundu’s camera batteries and equipment, but the rugged terrain and persistent rainfall have hampered efforts. Machkund Police Station’s Inspector-in-Charge, Madhusudan Bhoi, noted the challenges, while fire officer Umesh Chandra Bagh requested dam authorities to close reservoir gates to lower water levels.
The incident, the third at Duduma in recent months, has sparked outrage and calls for stricter safety measures at the popular tourist site near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. Kundu’s father, Sarthak Kundu, urged authorities to intensify the search for his son, a B.Tech student passionate about showcasing Odisha’s natural beauty.
Also Read: YouTuber Sameer MD Grilled by Police Over Viral Dharmasthala Defamation Video
Also Read: YouTuber Swept Away in Tragic Waterfall Incident Caught on Camera
