Rescue personnel missing after boats capsize in Telangana floodwaters
Eleven SDRF and fire services staff went missing in Khammam district on Wednesday during a mission to save trapped fishermen.
Eleven personnel from the Telangana State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Fire Services Department went missing on Wednesday after two boats capsized in the Bethupalli tank in Khammam district, according to the Hindustan Times. The incident occurred in Sathupalli mandal while teams were attempting to rescue five fishermen caught in strong currents in the overflowing tank.
The rescue effort began after three fire services personnel became stranded when their boat experienced a technical snag. A larger team, including six SDRF personnel from Kothagudem, four fire services members, and two local guides, deployed in two boats to assist. While the initial three firefighters were brought back safely, both subsequent boats capsized in turbulent water while heading towards the fishermen.
Khammam district collector Divakar T S and Sathupalli MLA Matta Ragamayi arrived at the site to coordinate efforts. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Bhadrachalam were called in to assist with the search. Officials also planned to use drones to drop life jackets to those in the water.
Chief minister A Revanth Reddy directed the district collector to ensure the safe recovery of the missing staff and instructed chief secretary Sanjay Jaju to monitor the progress. Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy said he would visit the site on Thursday morning to oversee the operation.