Odisha teacher rescued: A 47-year-old schoolteacher from Odisha’s Kandhamal district has been rescued alive after remaining missing for nearly 15 days during heavy rainfall and flooding. Mohan Kumar Maharana, who teaches at Duba Primary School in Raikia block, survived the difficult days without food by drinking water found in the forest. His family had almost given up hope after searching for him for several days. His wife was deeply worried and had also approached the police for help.
The incident happened during severe Cyclone Arnab, which brought heavy rainfall to Odisha in October 2026. On October 29, a landslide hit Dangasi village in Kandhamal district. Mohan went missing amid the heavy rain and dangerous conditions in the area. Reports say he became trapped in a forested area near the hills.
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According to reports, he was stuck in an isolated place where there was no easy way to reach nearby villages. He had no food and survived by drinking water available around him. He also tried calling for help several times but nobody could hear his voice.
His family members searched for him but couldn’t find any information. His wife and brother later filed a missing person complaint at Raikia Police Station. Police registered a case and started looking for him.
The search finally came to an end on Saturday, November 14, when a cattle herder heard a faint voice coming from a ditch near Ratangi village. He went closer to check and found Mohan trapped there. He immediately informed other villagers and the police.
A police team led by Raikia Police Station Inspector-in-Charge A. Swarnalata Patra and Sub-Inspector Sitaprasad Bisoyi reached the area. Indian Reserve Battalion personnel and local residents also helped in the rescue operation.
The location was difficult to reach because it was surrounded by hills and forests. Villagers and police personnel managed to bring him down using a makeshift stretcher. They carried him for nearly 18 km to Raikia Community Health Centre (CHC), where he was admitted for treatment.
Mohan was found extremely weak after spending nearly two weeks without proper food. Reports said he survived by drinking rainwater and water collected in the area. His brother also said that he had lost around 10-15 kg during this period.
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Speaking after his rescue, Mohan explained how he managed to survive:
“I survived by drinking that water for around 15 days. I repeatedly called for help, but nobody heard me,” he said.
His health is currently being monitored at the hospital. He has also expressed his wish to return to Duba Primary School after recovering and meet his students again.
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