The Indian community in Far North Queensland is mourning the devastating loss of two young students from India, Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobba, who tragically died at Millaa Millaa Falls.
A joyful visit to the picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls turned into a nightmare. On that fateful morning, Chaitanya and Surya Teja, along with a friend, decided to swim. When Chaitanya struggled in the water, Surya Teja heroically attempted to rescue him. Tragically, both young men failed to resurface.
A major search and rescue operation was immediately launched, with rescue helicopters and ambulance crews rushing to the scene. Despite the swift response and determined efforts, their lives were cut short, and their bodies were recovered around midday.
Chaitanya and Surya Teja were cherished for their enthusiasm, kindness, and academic brilliance. They had come to Australia with dreams of building a brighter future. Their sudden and untimely departure has left their families, friends, and the entire community shattered, struggling to come to terms with this immense loss.
Inspector Jason Smith of the Queensland Police emphasised the importance of caution and vigilance when swimming in natural settings. He reminded everyone of the unpredictable nature of our beautiful yet powerful landscapes, urging people to be aware of their surroundings and swim only in areas where they are confident in their abilities.
In this time of profound grief, the community is rallying to support the grieving families of Chaitanya and Surya Teja. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and provide some measure of relief during this unimaginably difficult period. Members of the Indian community has asked for your support in sharing this campaign and contributing what you can.
Surya Surya Mangapati, the organiser from Earlville QLD, has set a fundraising target of $90,000. Remarkably, in just a few days, the target has been surpassed, with $97,000 raised at the time of writing this article.
Millaa Millaa Falls, a popular tourist destination in the Atherton Tablelands, is known for its stunning natural beauty and has been a favourite spot for visitors. However, this serene location has also witnessed previous tragedies. Over the years, there have been several incidents where visitors have encountered difficulties while swimming or diving in the falls, highlighting the need for caution and respect for nature’s unpredictable forces.
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The Indian community in Far North Queensland mourns the tragic loss of students Chaitanya Mupparaju & Surya Teja Bobba at Millaa Millaa Falls, urging caution when swimming in natural settings. 🕊️💔🇮🇳🙏🏽🌊 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/VWqVaiZtzp
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