IDUKKI: The second day of the search for a missing child at Erattayar Dam is underway, with night vision drones being deployed to assist in the operation. The scuba team will begin by using boats to inspect the area where the children went to bathe. Following this, drones will be flown over the Erattayar tunnel area, a tunnel that stretches five kilometers from Erattayar to Anchuruli, to continue the search.
Children’s shoes and clothes were found near the spot where they entered the water, and the tunnel is located about 300 meters away from the bathing site. The drones will be launched from both Erattayar and Anchuruli, providing aerial support to the search teams.
The tragic incident unfolded yesterday morning when the children, who had come to their ancestral home in Chelakakavala, Erattayar, to celebrate the Onam vacation, went to play near the dam. At around 9 AM, they ventured towards the dam and got into the water. The victims, Asauresh from Valakode and Athul Harsh from Kayamkulam, were accompanied by their siblings.
It is believed that both children slipped and were swept away by the strong currents. Other children who were with them immediately raised an alarm, gathering locals to help. Despite their efforts, only one child, Athul Harsh, was rescued near the tunnel by the locals. He was rushed to Kattappana but was pronounced dead.
The body of Athul Harsh has been taken for post-mortem and will be handed over to his family today. The search for Asauresh continues, with authorities employing every available resource, including specialized night vision drones, to locate the missing child.