Five individuals remain missing after being swept away by the powerful currents of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati on Wednesday, in what has become a deeply distressing incident for the local community. A group of nine people, who had ventured into the river for a ritual dip, were suddenly plunged into danger when what seemed like shallow water gave way to a strong undercurrent. Four individuals—including two foreign nationals—were rescued, but the remaining five have yet to be located.

The incident occurred in the Uzanbazar area near Bhaktikutir, an ISKCON-affiliated prayer site nestled below the Kharghuli hills. The group had offered prayers at the Krishna temple before approaching the river for what is considered a common religious ritual. However, they were reportedly unaware of the sudden depth variations and powerful undercurrents that characterize this stretch of the Brahmaputra.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the group stepped into what appeared to be calm, shallow water. Within moments, the river’s forceful pull dragged several of them downstream, prompting immediate alarm among onlookers. Local authorities were alerted swiftly, and combined teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

Despite their quick arrival and swift response, rescue teams faced daunting challenges. The Brahmaputra, particularly in the post-monsoon season, is notorious for unpredictable depth drops, rapidly shifting sandbars, and strong, hidden currents. Experts note that this period makes the river especially dangerous—even for seasoned swimmers—due to the turbulence created by residual monsoon flows and geological shifts along the riverbed.

After rescuing four treading survivors and transporting them to the hospital for treatment and observation, rescue teams continued scanning the water. However, diminishing visibility as evening approached forced officials to suspend the search operation for the night. Authorities confirmed that the search will resume early Thursday, with expanded deployment along downstream locations to cover a wider area where the missing might have been carried.

“Four persons have been rescued and shifted to the hospital,” a senior NDRF official said, adding that the identities of the missing individuals will be released after their families have been notified. Officials emphasize that the next several hours will be critical, as the chances of survival diminish rapidly in such conditions.

Meanwhile, police have cordoned off the riverbank to prevent others from approaching the water and have issued strong advisories urging devotees and tourists to refrain from entering the Brahmaputra. Officers stationed at the site noted that ritual dips, though culturally significant, pose grave risks unless conducted under supervision and in designated safe zones.

Rescue teams are expected to deploy additional boats, sonar equipment, and downstream patrol units at first light. The combined skill and coordination of the NDRF and SDRF will be instrumental as the search intensifies. The community, shaken by the tragedy, is anxiously awaiting updates, hoping for a miracle but bracing for grim possibilities.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the Brahmaputra’s unpredictable nature—magnificent but perilous. Local authorities have reiterated calls for heightened awareness and caution, especially during the post-monsoon months when the river’s behavior is at its most unstable.