Search for drowned youth in Doyang reservoir to continue

The search operation to recover the body of a 26-year-old youth who drowned in the Doyang reservoir on April 11 will continue for the next two to three days, officials said on Wednesday.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Wokha, Vineet Kumar, informed that the search has not been called off and would proceed with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel. He said that if the body was not recovered within this period, necessary legal procedures would be initiated.
The operation involves 31 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and 17–18 SDRF personnel working in shifts, with four divers deployed on a rotational basis. An underwater drone team, deployed through the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), joined the search on Wednesday to strengthen efforts, but the body is yet to be traced.
Inspector R. Aben from the 12th NDRF Regional Response Centre, Kohima, said poor underwater visibility remains a major challenge, dropping to nearly zero beyond 40 feet. Though divers are equipped to operate up to 100 feet, attempts have been made up to depths of 180–190 feet without success.
He added that steep terrain, submerged debris and tree branches have further complicated the operation. The body may have sunk rapidly and become entangled or lodged in areas difficult to access.
The victim, identified as Yilobemo Kikon of Pangti village, went missing between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on April 11 after falling from his canoe. The incident was witnessed by several anglers.