A rescue mission at an overflowing water tank in Telangana's Khammam district turned into an emergency on Wednesday after two boats capsized, leaving 11 personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire Services Department missing, HT reported. The teams had entered the water to rescue five fishermen who were trapped by strong currents following heavy rainfall.
The incident occurred at Bethupalli tank in Sathupalli mandal. The fishermen had gone into the tank to set up fishing nets but were unable to return as the water flow intensified.
The rescue operation initially involved three Fire Services personnel, who entered the tank in a boat to reach the stranded fishermen. However, their boat developed a technical snag, leaving them stranded in the water.
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A second team was then mobilised, comprising six SDRF personnel from Kothagudem, four additional Fire Services personnel and two local guides. They set out in two boats to rescue both the stranded firefighters and the fishermen.
Although the team managed to bring the three stranded firefighters back safely, both rescue boats capsized in the turbulent waters as they proceeded towards the fishermen. Eleven members of the rescue team went missing, according to a statement from the office of Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy.
NDRF Teams Join Search Operation
Following the incident, Khammam District Collector Divakar T S and Sathupalli MLA Matta Ragamayi reached the spot to coordinate the rescue efforts.
Additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were called in from Bhadrachalam to assist in locating the missing personnel. Rescue teams were deployed with boats, while officials also made arrangements to use drones to drop life jackets to people caught in the floodwaters.
Preliminary information indicated that all five fishermen were safe. However, the search for the 11 missing rescue personnel was continuing.
Telangana CM Asks Officials To Step Up Rescue Efforts
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy took stock of the incident and directed the Khammam District Collector to intensify the search and take all necessary measures to ensure the safe recovery of the missing personnel.
"Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy inquired about the disappearance of SDRF boats in Bethupalli Lake, located in Sathupalli, Khammam district. The Chief Minister directed the District Collector to intensify all efforts and take necessary measures to safely rescue the SDRF personnel. He also instructed the Chief Secretary to continuously monitor and review the situation," ANI quoted the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy also asked officials to expedite the operation and ensure the availability of adequate rescue equipment and boats. He said he was in constant touch with the district collector and would visit the site on Thursday morning to review the situation.