On the afternoon of Saturday, August 23, 2025, 22-year-old YouTuber Sagar Tudu, also known on his channel as Sagar Kundu, disappeared at Duduma Waterfall in Odisha’s Koraput district while filming reels. He had traveled from Berhampur along with his friend Abhijit Behera, aiming to capture tourist highlights for his modestly-subscribed channel of around 500 followers.
The video is reportedly from Koraput, where a YouTuber was swept away by strong currents at Duduma Waterfall.
— Manas Muduli (@manas_muduli) August 24, 2025
People must exercise extreme caution while filming and never put their lives at risk.
Such a tragic incident. pic.twitter.com/8hHemeWv2e
Caught in a Dangerous Surge
Using a drone camera, Sagar positioned himself on a rock amid the waterfall’s stream when authorities released water from the nearby Machakunda Dam—a precautionary move following heavy rainfall in the Lamtaput area. Despite warnings issued downstream, the sudden rise in water flow caught him off guard.
Failed Rescue Attempts
Witnesses and nearby tourists made frantic efforts to save him, unsuccessfully using ropes to pull him to safety. In seconds, the current overwhelmed him and he was swept away. Tragic footage circulating online captured the horrifying moment.
Search and Rescue Underway
A joint operation involving the Machakunda police, Fire Services, and ODRAF was launched immediately. Rescue teams combed the waterfall area throughout Sunday but found no trace of Sagar. Only a bag containing his filming equipment was recovered. As of the latest updates, search operations remain ongoing, set to resume with renewed efforts at first light.
Reflection: When Reel Culture Turns Real
This incident raises urgent questions about how social media creators sometimes place themselves in dangerous situations for content. Many netizens have criticized this trend: one user warned, “Why are people risking their life to create content?” Another commented, “Reel culture will finish everything.” The tragedy at Duduma Falls serves as a harsh reminder that nature’s unpredictability demands respect—especially in monsoon season