Sudden rise in river water sweeps away family members collecting frog shells near Thattehakkalu
Karwar: A devastating tragedy struck Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district after several people collecting frog shells in the Thattehakkalu river were swept away by rising water currents, leaving eight people dead and two others missing.
According to officials, a group of 14 people had entered the river near Thattehakkalu on Saturday morning to collect frog shells when the water level suddenly rose, triggering panic and chaos.
Authorities confirmed that eight people drowned in the incident, while four others were rescued alive. Search operations are currently underway to trace the remaining two missing persons.
Police stated that all the victims are reportedly residents of Shirali in Bhatkal and are believed to belong to the same extended family.
Bhatkal River Accident Turns Fatal After Sudden Water Surge
Eyewitnesses and local sources said the victims were busy collecting frog shells in shallow areas of the river when a sudden increase in water flow swept several people into deeper currents.
Rescue teams, local fishermen and police personnel rushed to the spot soon after the incident was reported.
Of the eight deceased victims, officials said one was a man and seven were women.
The bodies recovered from the river were shifted to the Taluk Government Hospital in Bhatkal for further procedures.
“Rescue operations are continuing with the help of local fishermen and emergency teams,” officials stated.
Search Operation Continues in Thattehakkalu River
Personnel from the Karnataka Police and local authorities launched an intensive search operation in the river area to locate the missing persons.
Police teams inspected the accident site and began gathering details regarding the sudden rise in water levels that led to the tragedy.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the Uttara Kannada region, with grieving relatives gathering near the riverbank and hospital premises.
Local residents stated that sudden water surges in river stretches during changing weather conditions can become extremely dangerous for people entering the water.
Heavy Rain Concerns Rise Across Karnataka
The tragedy comes amid increasing rainfall activity across several parts of Karnataka, where weather authorities have already issued alerts for heavy rain in multiple districts.
Officials are expected to investigate whether sudden inflow or weather-related conditions contributed to the sharp increase in river currents.
The district administration has appealed to residents to avoid entering rivers and water bodies during unstable weather conditions.
Further details regarding the identities of the deceased and missing persons are awaited.
