Rescue personnel missing after boats capsize in Telangana's swollen Peddacheruvu
Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force and Fire Services went missing during an operation to rescue stranded fishermen in Khammam district.
At least nine rescue personnel went missing on Wednesday evening after two inflatable boats capsized in the swollen Peddacheruvu in the Sathupalli mandal of Khammam district, according to The Hindu. The personnel, including five members of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and members of the Fire Services, were attempting to evacuate five fishermen stranded in the floodwaters.
The incident occurred when the boats encountered strong winds and powerful currents in the overflowing water body. While the rescue teams were caught in the currents, the five fishermen trapped in the floodwaters were reportedly safe, sources said.
Khammam Collector Divakara T.S. rushed to the spot to supervise the operation. Efforts to locate the missing personnel included the use of drones to air-drop life jackets and the mobilisation of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed the District Collector to undertake rescue operations on a war footing. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy stated that the government's priority is to ensure the safe retrieval of the personnel and said he would personally visit the site on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar also intervened to expedite efforts, directing the deployment of NDRF personnel to the area. The Minister spoke with the District Collector to assess the progress of the search mission.