Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Nov 5: Ten personnel of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire Services were feared missing after two rescue boats allegedly capsized during an operation to save fishermen stranded in a swollen lake in Telangana's Khammam district on Wednesday evening, November 4.
The incident occurred at Bethupalli lake in Sathupalli mandal, where rescue teams were attempting to reach fishermen trapped in the rapidly rising floodwaters following heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Murasu.
According to reports, five fishermen had ventured into the lake to set up fishing nets but became stranded after the water level rose suddenly. Three other fishermen who went to assist them were also reportedly caught in the floodwaters.
An initial rescue attempt by three Fire Services personnel encountered difficulties after their boat developed a technical problem, leaving them stranded. Subsequently, a team comprising six SDRF personnel from Kothagudem and four additional Fire Services personnel, accompanied by local assistance, launched a rescue operation using two boats.
The team reportedly managed to rescue the three stranded Fire Services personnel. However, while proceeding towards the remaining fishermen, both rescue boats are suspected to have capsized in the strong currents, leaving around 10 personnel missing. Some reports put the total number of missing rescue personnel at 11, including local guides.
Another SDRF team from Bhadrachalam was rushed to the location, while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel were also deployed to intensify the search and rescue operation. The operation was reportedly hampered by adverse weather conditions, strong water currents and poor visibility.
Khammam District Collector Divakara T S and Sathupalli MLA Matta Ragamayi rushed to the spot and supervised the rescue efforts. Officials were also exploring the use of drones and other equipment to locate the missing personnel.
Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy said in a post on X that rescue teams had identified the possible location of the missing personnel and expressed confidence that they would be brought to safety.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy took serious note of the incident and directed the District Collector to take all necessary measures to rescue the missing personnel. He also instructed Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju to closely monitor the situation and coordinate the rescue operations.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said NDRF teams had been deployed and were carrying out rescue operations on a war footing.
Expressing concern over the incident, Kumar said he had spoken to the Khammam District Collector to assess the situation and immediately coordinated with senior NDRF officials to arrange additional rescue teams.
He said the Centre was closely monitoring the developments and maintaining constant coordination with the state authorities to ensure the safe return of everyone involved in the operation.
Meanwhile, the heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Murasu has triggered flooding in several parts of the Khammam region, raising concerns over the safety of residents living in low-lying areas.