The body of one of two who drowned in the Doyang dam reservoir on May 27 was recovered at around 1.10 p.m. Wednesday, the third day since rescue operation began. The drowned victim was identified as Elanthung Ngullie. Despite the murky water, Wokha District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) searched till nightfall for the body of the second victim Thungchio Patton (24) but to no avail.
Wokha DDMA nodal officer and assistant manager (relief, recovery & mitigation) L Jonjibemo Odyuo told Nagaland Post that the search team was hopeful of finding the body by Thursday.
According to Inspector Limhathunh Odyuo, the dam posed challenges for the deep divers such as old fishing nets and also the murky water which reduced visibility. These delayed search for the second body.
Junior section officer Meguokielie Metha assisting with the underwater drone, said that it was the first time that a water drone was used in Nagaland.
He said the drone’s operation was hampered by obstacles like fishing nets, logs, and other debris and the murky water.
Search will resume Thursday to locate and retrieve the body of the second drown victim. The search team comprises of three deep divers, two diving sets with four cylinders (with compressor machine), two motorboats, and 26 personnel from the NDRF led by inspector Limhathunh Odyuo.
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescue team was led by company commander of Wokha Home Guards Civil Defence Echung Konyak and their resources include OBM boat, lifejacket and ropes etc.