Yamuna – Search Intensifies After Four Minors Go Missing in Delhi River Incident
Yamuna – Search teams intensified efforts on Monday after four minors were reported missing in the Yamuna River, where they are feared to have drowned after being swept away by a strong current while bathing near Hiranki village in Delhi’s Alipur area.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the outer-north part of the national capital when five minors entered the Yamuna to bathe. According to police, the group was caught off guard by the river’s powerful current. While one of the boys managed to swim back to safety and alert nearby people, the remaining four were pulled into the water and disappeared from sight.
Rescue Teams Continue Multi-Agency Search
Authorities were informed about the incident at approximately 7:30 pm on Sunday, prompting an immediate emergency response. However, fading daylight and the river’s challenging conditions limited rescue efforts during the initial hours.
Search operations resumed early on Monday with multiple agencies working together to locate the missing children. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Delhi Fire Services, and the local police have been deployed along the affected stretch of the river. Rescue teams are using boats and specialized equipment while carefully scanning the area where the minors were last seen.
Difficult River Conditions Slow Rescue Efforts
Officials involved in the operation said the strong water flow and reduced underwater visibility have made the search particularly difficult. Rescue personnel continue to inspect different sections of the river, expanding the search zone as necessary in the hope of tracing the missing children.
Authorities have not released the identities or ages of the minors. They said every possible effort is being made to locate them, while the search operation remains active.
No Recoveries Reported So Far
As of the latest official update, no bodies had been recovered. Police confirmed that the operation would continue until all possibilities had been thoroughly explored. Senior officials are closely monitoring the rescue mission, with coordination taking place between all participating agencies.
The survivor’s alert played a crucial role in enabling emergency responders to reach the location quickly. Even so, the swift current presented significant challenges for rescuers from the outset.
Safety Concerns Around Open Water
The incident has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with entering rivers during periods of strong water flow. Authorities have repeatedly advised residents, particularly children and teenagers, to avoid bathing in rivers where currents can change rapidly and become dangerous without warning.
Officials have urged the public to exercise caution near open water bodies and to follow safety advisories issued by local authorities. They also appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and discourage children from entering rivers or other unsafe water bodies without proper supervision.
The search operation is expected to continue until the missing minors are located or further developments emerge.