"Only want to see my daughter one more time": Father continues search for missing 4-year-old weeks after Assam flood tragedy
Sivasagar, August 5
Every day, Devaram Panikar wakes up with the hope that someone will bring news of his 4-year-old daughter Radhika, who has been missing since the devastating flood of July 19.
After more than two weeks of the devastating flood, Devaram Panikar has searched for his daughter every day in all possible locations in the Nepali Khuti area where flood waters washed away Radhika and her mother.
Devaram Panikar also lost his house in the devastating flood, and he is now taking shelter at a relief camp in the Bihubor area along with his elder daughter.
"I have lost everything. I lost my wife and daughter in the flood. My bhabhi was also washed away by flood waters. I only want to see my daughter one more time," Devaram Panikar told ANI.
"At that time I was outside and I couldn't able to see my wife and daughter last time also. After 11 days, my wife's body was found, but my daughter is still missing. I am living in the hope that my daughter might be found somewhere. I pray to God. I want to see my daughter one more time. I come here every day and feel like that; they are calling me," Devaram Panikar told ANI.
Rajen Panikar, who lost three members of his family in the flood, told ANI that he lost his wife, Smriti Panikar, in the flood.
"We also lost sister-in-law and 4-year-old niece, Radhika. We can't forget that horrific moment," Rajen Panikar said.
On the other hand, Sibeswar Karmakar, a resident of Nepali Khuti area, said that he lost his beloved wife in this devastating flood.
"I loved her so much. I lost everything. The flood destroyed all, including my house. I wasn't even able to conduct the rituals of my wife perfectly," Sibeswar Karmakar told ANI.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), 89 people have lost their lives in floods in the state till August 4.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The pain in his words... "I only want to see my daughter one more time." I can't imagine losing everything so suddenly. It's our duty as citizens to keep praying for this family. I hope Radhika is found safe somewhere. 😢
As an engineer, I'm frustrated that we still haven't solved Assam's recurring flood problem. Every year, the same tragedy unfolds. We need better dams, embankments, and early warning systems. Prayers for this family, but we also need action.
This is beyond sad. The fact that he says "they are calling me" when he visits the site... it shows how deep his grief is. I pray that Radhika is found alive or at least gets a proper closure. Sending strength to all the flood victims in Assam. 🌸
I don't understand why we can't prepare better for these annual floods. 89 deaths is unacceptable in the 21st century. However, my heart goes out to the families. These stories remind us what truly matters in life - family. Praying from the UK.
My eyes are full of tears reading this. This is the reality of climate change that many ignore. We need to hold our leaders accountable for disaster preparedness. Devaram ji, the whole nation is with you in your search for little Radhika. Stay strong. 💔
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