Kerala Woman Rescued After 3 Days Lost in Kodagu Forest Trek
Software professional Sharanya survived three days lost in a dense Karnataka forest.
Top Summary
- What happened: Sharanya, a 36-year-old software professional, got lost trekking down from Tadiandamol Peak in Kodagu and was rescued after three days.
- Why it matters: The successful rescue highlights the effectiveness of coordinated search operations in challenging terrains.
- What changes for people: It reinforces the need for caution and preparedness while trekking in remote areas.
- Who is affected: Sharanya, her family, and the rescue personnel involved in the search operation.
The Trek Gone Wrong
A 36-year-old software professional from Kerala, Sharanya, endured three harrowing days lost in the dense forests of Kodagu, Karnataka. She went missing while trekking down from Tadiandamol Peak, the state's third-highest summit at 1,748 metres.
The ordeal began when Sharanya lost her way. She faced challenges including the absence of a mobile network, the presence of wild elephants, and leopards prowling nearby. She remained calm despite these significant threats.
Massive Rescue Operation
Sharanya, a resident of Nadapuram in Kozhikode district, was finally rescued on Sunday. This followed a massive, coordinated search operation involving nearly 70 personnel.
The search employed various technologies: Thermal-imaging drones, sniffer dogs, mobile phone tracking, and analysis of her call data records were all used after she was reported missing the previous Thursday.
The Search Team's Dedication
Search teams covered 50 to 60 kilometres across difficult terrain, venturing into a remote part of the forest not typically frequented by anyone. The teams persevered despite the challenges.
"When we got the information about the missing person on April 2, we searched for her for nearly 15 hours straight. Every hour was important as chances of survival grew thinner,"
said Abhishek V, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Madikeri Division, as cited by The Indian Express.
The DCF also noted that teams walked at least 15 kilometres a day. They slept barely four to five hours at the nearest watch camp, with night-vision thermal drones kept airborne until 3 am to detect any movement.
What to Watch Next
Authorities will likely review safety protocols for trekking in the Kodagu region. Further investigations may be conducted to understand how Sharanya lost her way and to prevent similar incidents in the future.