Sambalpur, Jul 6: A youth is feared drowned after a flash flood swept away a motorcycle carrying two riders near Bagdia Pada on the outskirts of Sambalpur following heavy rainfall.

According to reports, Gobardhan Chand and Suresh Chandra Maharana were travelling on a motorcycle when they were caught in a sudden surge of water caused by the heavy rain. The strong current swept both of them away.

While one of the youths reportedly managed to swim to safety, the other remains missing and is feared to have been washed away by the floodwaters.

On receiving information about the incident, personnel from the Fire Services department rushed to the spot and launched a search and rescue operation.

However, the rescue efforts have been hampered by the strong current and widespread waterlogging in the area. Despite continuous searches, the missing youth had not been traced at the time of filing this report.

Authorities have urged people to avoid venturing into flooded areas and attempting to cross waterlogged roads or streams as heavy rainfall continues to affect several parts of Odisha.