Two doctors from Odisha, Dr. Bishnu Rasad Chinhara and Dr. Swadhin Panda, have been reported missing in Kerala following severe landslides in the Wayanad district. The doctors, who had traveled to Kerala for a vacation with their wives, are unaccounted for amid the devastation that has left at least 158 people dead in the region.
According to officials, the situation is dire as heavy rains triggered landslides in areas including Meppadi and Chooral Mala hill. The landslides on the night of July 29 severely impacted local infrastructure, leading to widespread flooding.
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, confirmed that the Special Relief Commissioner of Odisha is coordinating with Kerala’s counterpart. The search for the missing doctors is ongoing, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and sniffer dogs deployed to aid in the rescue operations.
Dr. Chinhara and Dr. Panda had checked into the Linora Villa hotel in Wayanad on July 29. While their wives have been located and are receiving treatment, the two doctors remain missing. Dr. Chinhara’s father, Amar Prasad Chinhara, reported that he last spoke to his son on the night they arrived at the hotel. Dr. Panda’s wife, Swikruti, is currently in critical condition and is being treated in a hospital.
“We are hopeful that Dr. Chinhara and Dr. Panda will be found soon and reunited with their families. Efforts are in full swing to locate them,” Pujari said.
The ongoing natural disaster has significantly impacted travel and rescue operations in the affected areas. Authorities are working diligently to manage the situation and provide assistance to those affected.
