Kendrapada: A 32-year-old ASHA worker, Kaveri Mallick, has emerged as a real-life hero in the devastating floods in Kendrapada district. She has braved strong currents and torrential rain to rescue stranded villagers and distribute medicines, drinking water and other relief materials in the worst-affected Padanipala gram panchayat under Aul block.Kaveri has so far rescued around 30 women and several children, including nine pregnant women, from remote areas of the flood-hit panchayat. With country boats and rescue boats unavailable, she made a raft using banana logs and ventured into inundated villages to evacuate people. “It was too dangerous to row the raft with the help of a bamboo stick . But I was determined to rescue the villagers. It was the right decision at the right time for me rescue villagers,” Kaveri said.She said she had been involved in evacuating people for the past 15 days despite torrential rain and gusty winds. “It is my duty to save villagers, particularly women and children. I immediately rushed to inaccessible areas to rescue them,” she said.Large parts of Padanipala gram panchayat located near the Brahmani river remained marooned forcing many villagers to remain virtually confined to their homes. Mud and slush covered large stretches of the affected areas making movement extremely difficult. “Kaveri Mallick is a true hero. She dared to confront the strong currents in the flood-hit villages to rescue people and provide medicines to those affected,” said Pranab Kumar Shukya, medical officer at the Community Health Centre, Aul.Residents also praised Kaveri for her efforts. Kaveri did an excellent job by saving the lives of many. Apart from rescue work, she, along with other health workers, also provided us cooked food and medicines. She turned into a saviour for us, said 76-year-old Malati Jena of Padanipala, who was rescued by Kaveri.