A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched on Wednesday in Telangana’s Khammam district following a maritime incident that left 11 emergency responders missing. The personnel, drawn from the Telangana State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the state’s Fire Services Department, were conducting an operation in the overflowing Bethupalli tank in the Sathupalli mandal when their rescue boats capsized.
The sequence of events began when five fishermen became stranded in the tank after venturing out to set fishing nets. Strong currents, triggered by heavy rainfall that caused the tank to overflow, left the group unable to return to the shore. A primary response team consisting of three fire services personnel was initially deployed to retrieve them. However, their mission faced a technical setback when their boat malfunctioned, leaving the responders stranded alongside the fishermen.
In response to the emergency, a secondary, larger rescue mission was organized. This operation included six SDRF personnel from Kothagudem, four additional Fire Services staff, and two local guides. They deployed two boats with the dual objective of recovering the initial fire services team and the trapped fishermen. While the rescue crews successfully brought the three initial firefighters back to safety, the situation turned critical as they proceeded toward the fishermen.
According to a statement released by the office of the state’s Revenue Minister, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, both rescue boats capsized in the turbulent, flood-swollen waters. The incident resulted in 11 personnel going missing. Preliminary information suggests that the five fishermen who were the original subjects of the rescue attempt remain safe, though search and recovery efforts for the missing responders are now the primary focus of the local administration.
Following the accident, district authorities, including Khammam District Collector Divakar T.S. and local MLA Matta Ragamayi, arrived at the site to oversee the coordination of search efforts. Recognizing the severity of the incident, the state government has requisitioned specialized support, including additional personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) stationed in Bhadrachalam. These teams have been tasked with deploying boats to scour the tank and surrounding areas.
State authorities are also exploring advanced technological solutions to aid the search. Officials are making arrangements to utilize drones to drop life jackets and other essential supplies to anyone who may still be caught in the floodwaters. The use of aerial surveillance is expected to bolster the visibility of the search teams in the challenging, water-logged terrain.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has taken cognizance of the incident, requesting detailed briefings from the district administration. He has issued explicit directives to the Khammam collector to employ all necessary resources to ensure the safe recovery of the missing personnel. Furthermore, the Chief Minister has instructed Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju to maintain a constant vigil over the situation and provide regular updates as the operation progresses.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy has also expressed significant concern regarding the wellbeing of the responders. He has urged officials to expedite the search and ensure that all equipment and logistical support required for a high-intensity rescue are made immediately available. As of the latest reports, search teams continue to navigate the difficult conditions in a race against time to locate the 11 missing individuals.
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