SDRF and Fire Personnel Missing After Boats Overturn in Flooded Khammam Tank

UPDATE - follow-up to Nine rescue personnel feared missing as boats capsize in Telangana's swollen Peddacheruvu: Eleven personnel belonging to the State Disaster Response Force and Fire Services went missing on Wednesday evening after their rescue boats overturned in the overflowing Bethupalli tank located in Khammam district's Sathupalli mandal. The teams had ventured into the turbulent waters to reach five fishermen who got trapped after getting caught in strong currents while setting up fishing nets.

Rescue Operations

According to official statements, three fire personnel initially entered the flooded waterbody on a boat that suffered a technical problem and left them stranded. A secondary rescue operation sent two boats carrying six SDRF personnel from Kothagudem, four additional fire staff, and two local guides. This larger team safely brought back the three stranded firefighters, but both rescue craft capsized as they headed further toward the trapped fishermen.

Government Response

State officials confirmed that all five fishermen stranded in the floodwaters remained safe. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy spoke with the Khammam District Collector to review the situation, directing Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju to monitor search efforts continuously. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy stated he would personally visit the location on Thursday morning, while Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar coordinated the deployment of National Disaster Response Force teams from Bhadrachalam to assist local authorities.

Context

Such incidents underline the extreme hazards faced by emergency responders during heavy monsoon flooding in rural water bodies. Rescue missions in overflowing tanks often encounter sudden underwater currents and technical failures under adverse weather conditions.