Water bodies turning into death traps

Over 130 people drowned in the district between January 2020 and June 2021

Waterfalls, ponds and streams in the rural as well as Agency areas of the Visakhapatnam district are turning into death traps for the visitors. From January 2020 to June 30 this year, over 130 people drowned in various water bodies in the district limits. In 2020, the rural and Agency areas reported about 82 drowning deaths. While in the first six months of 2021, as many as 48 people drowned. A number of unrecognised waterfalls in the Agency have been witnessing most of the drowning incidents. Visitors, particularly youngsters, are falling prey after venturing into the water bodies either for swimming or while taking selfies at dangerous points. They have been ignoring advice of police officials not to visit waterfalls.