Search continues for missing rescue personnel after boats capize in Khammam

UPDATE - follow-up to Nine rescue personnel feared missing as boats capsize in Telangana's swollen Peddacheruvu: Police, State Disaster Response Force, and Fire Services teams are intensifying search operations to locate personnel who went missing after rescue boats capsized in Khammam district.

What Happened

The incident took place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in the overflowing Peddacheruvu or Bethupalli tank in Sathupalli mandal. Rescue teams had ventured into the swollen water body to evacuate five fishermen trapped in floodwaters. Strong winds and powerful currents caused two inflatable boats carrying the personnel to capsize. While initial reports cited nine missing personnel, a statement from the revenue minister's office later indicated that eleven personnel from the SDRF and Fire Services Department went missing after a sequence of boat movements that also involved rescuing three firefighters whose initial boat had developed a technical snag.

Official Response

Khammam Collector Divakara T.S., Sathupalli MLA Matta Ragamayi, and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy rushed to the spot to supervise rescue operations. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy reviewed the situation and directed the District Collector to carry out rescue efforts on a war-footing. Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar also intervened, speaking with district officials and urging the deployment of National Disaster Response Force personnel from Bhadrachalam to assist local authorities.

Context

Heavy rainfall frequently causes tanks and rivulets in Telangana to swell dangerously, creating severe challenges for local administration during rescue missions. Disaster response teams often have to navigate turbulent currents and adverse weather to reach stranded citizens in rural areas. Local authorities and state ministers continue to monitor such flood situations closely to prevent loss of life during heavy downpours.