A major accident occurred in the Khammam district of Telangana during the rescue operation of fishermen trapped in floodwaters. On Wednesday evening, two boats capsized due to strong currents during a rescue operation in Bethupalli Lake. Following this, personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Fire Services Department went missing. The rescue operation has been intensified to trace the missing personnel.

What Happened?

Heavy rainfall had raised the water level of the lake, making the current extremely strong.

Five fishermen had entered the lake to lay nets but got trapped in the strong current and could not return.

The rescue team, riding in two boats, was trying to reach three fire personnel and the fishermen who were trapped earlier.

The team succeeded in safely extracting the three fire personnel, but while advancing toward the fishermen, both boats capsized in the surging waters.

According to initial information, all five fishermen trapped in the lake are safe.

Conflicting Information Regarding the Number of Missing Personnel

The news report initially mentions 10 and later 11 personnel as missing. Official confirmation of the exact count is awaited.

Search Operation

6 SDRF personnel and 4 other employees from the fire department were summoned from Kothagudem. Additionally, 2 local guides joined the operation. Upon receiving information, the district administration and disaster management teams reached the spot immediately.

Note: This report is based on initial inputs. Updates will be provided once official information regarding the number and status of missing personnel is available.