Hrushikesh Mallik dies as Odisha flood forces body on rooftop
A 61-year-old man, Hrushikesh Mallik, passed away in his flooded home in Chintasahi, Jajpur district, Odisha, India.
With nearly four feet of water filling the ground floor, his family had no way to perform last rites and had to leave his body on the rooftop for nearly 18 hours until the waters went down.
Family says officials ignored rescue pleas
When the flood finally receded a bit, neighbors carried Mallik's body through waist-deep water for around one kilometer and arrange cremation.
The family said its calls for help from local officials were ignored, and even boat operators wouldn't assist without orders.
The block development officer denied being told.
Villagers also shared that many families were stuck on rooftops for days with little relief, surviving mostly on dry food during the crisis.