A rescue operation in Telangana’s Khammam district escalated into a critical situation on Wednesday when two boats capsized in the overflowing Bethupalli tank, resulting in eleven rescuers going missing. The incident unfolded as teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire Services endeavoured to reach five fishermen who were trapped due to rising water levels caused by rain associated with Cyclone Murasu.

The SDRF personnel, alongside local fire services, were actively engaged in the rescue mission when the boats overturned. This unfortunate event has prompted an immediate search operation to locate the missing rescuers, with other boats being deployed to assist in the efforts.

Authorities have reported that the SDRF is currently utilising additional resources to trace the missing personnel. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been called in from Bhadrachalam to bolster the rescue operations, aiming to retrieve both the missing SDRF personnel and the stranded fishermen.

Government Response and Rescue Efforts

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed the District Collector to intensify all ongoing rescue efforts. He emphasised the need for every possible measure to ensure the safety of the SDRF personnel who remain unaccounted for. The Chief Minister has also instructed the Chief Secretary to maintain close oversight of the situation and regularly update the progress of the rescue operations.

Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, who represents the Khammam district, is personally overseeing the rescue efforts. He confirmed that ten of the eleven missing SDRF personnel have been successfully brought to safety, while the location of the remaining personnel has also been identified. Minister Reddy has travelled from Hyderabad to Narayanapuram village in Kallur mandal to monitor the situation directly at Bethupalli Lake.

The urgency of the situation has heightened as local authorities continue to coordinate rescue operations, with additional resources being mobilised to ensure the safety of all involved.

Widespread Impact of Cyclone Murasu in Andhra Pradesh

The effects of Cyclone Murasu are being felt across Andhra Pradesh, where heavy rainfall has led to significant disruptions in normal life. Flooding has been reported in multiple districts, with overflowing streams and blocked roads affecting connectivity. In Devipatnam mandal of Polavaram district, streams are overflowing, notably impacting the Indukurupeta-Ravilanka causeway, which has disrupted access for nearly twenty tribal villages.

In Gopalapuram, East Godavari district, floodwaters have entered residential and commercial properties, leaving many residents in distress. Local communities have reached out to authorities, requesting immediate relief and rehabilitation assistance. Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to stay vigilant and relocate to safer locations as necessary.

In Eluru district, police successfully rescued twenty-two individuals who were stranded near an under-construction National Highway bridge at Routhugudem village, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by the severe weather conditions.

Prime Minister’s Assurance of Support

On Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to discuss the situation following the impact of two cyclones in quick succession. The Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister on the extensive damage incurred across various sectors and requested assistance from the central government.

Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the efforts of the state government in managing the cyclone relief operations and commended the Chief Minister for his proactive approach in addressing the challenges posed by the cyclones. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naidu conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas in Guntur, Prakasam, and Bapatla districts, assessing the damage in various locations, including Chilakaluripet and Ongole.

The aerial survey was necessitated by adverse weather conditions that prevented the helicopter from landing, underscoring the difficulties faced in the ongoing relief efforts.

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