Songpi Aug 2, 2026: The body of a 33-year-old man who was swept away by the Lanva River in Churachandpur district has been recovered after a two-day search operation.
The deceased has been identified as Thangjohnson, a resident of Vengnuam South, New Lamka. He was reportedly swept away on Thursday evening while trying to recover construction materials that had been washed away during embankment work along the Lanva River.
According to locals, the strong current overpowered him and carried him downstream despite immediate attempts to rescue him.
Following the incident, a joint search operation was launched by the Joint Philanthropic Organisation (JPO) along with other local civil society organisations. Teams searched along the Lanva and Tuitha rivers continuously since Thursday night.
On Saturday at around 11:30 am, his body was located in the Tuitha River between Khominthang and Saikot village, several kilometres away from the spot where he went missing.
Sources said Thangjohnson was an orphan and was staying with relatives in New Lamka. He worked as a daily wage labourer to support himself.
After completion of necessary formalities, his body was laid to rest on Saturday evening at the Young Paite Association Cemetery, New Lamka, in the presence of family members, relatives and local residents.
Local leaders have expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged people working near rivers to take extra precautions during the monsoon season when water levels rise unpredictably.
