Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru (SP)

Mysuru, Feb 26: Six persons faced the imminent prospects of drowning in River Hemavathi after the officials suddenly released excess water from Hemavathi reservoir without advance warning on Saturday February 25. A young shepherd showed exemplary courage and conviction in saving them from the floods. The incident occurred near Lord Laxminarasimha temple at Akkehebbalu village K R Pet Taluk. The saviour has been identified as Ravi (30) from Akkihebbalu village.

As the water level in Krishnarajaagar reservoir has plummeted, it was decided to augment the level by releasing water from Hemavathi reservoir. The officials suddenly released water from the reservoir without giving advance warning as required, on Saturday morning, as a result of which water came gushing down the river in large quantities.

Laxman, Chaluva Nayaka, Komala, Rajamani, Shobha and Latamani of Akkihebbalu village, who had no inkling of the flash floods, were seated on rocks located in the middle of the river and washing clothes when water level suddenly rose and began to pull them away. All the six were being washed away by the force of water current when they got scared and shouted for help.

Ravi, who was looking after sheep on the river bank, shouted at the people, asking them to tightly hold on to the rocks with both the hands. He also called his friend over cellphone asking him to bring tube to save the people. Ravi and his friend thereafter saved the people one by one with the help of the tube, at the risk of endangering their own lives. The shepherd has come in for lavish praise from the general public of the district for his exemplary presence of mind and courage.