11 Rescued After Two Boats Capsize During Bethupalli Lake Operation
A rescue operation at Bethupalli Pedda Cheruvu in Khammam district turned into a major emergency after two boats capsized amid powerful currents caused by heavy rainfall. Fishermen stranded in the lake and rescue personnel attempting to save them were caught in the floodwaters, triggering an extensive overnight operation involving multiple emergency response teams. All those caught in the incident were eventually brought to safety.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when five fishermen ventured into the overflowing lake to set up fishing nets near its surplus weir. A sudden rise in the water level left them stranded, prompting other fishermen to rush to their assistance. Three more people who attempted to help also became trapped in the strong currents, taking the total number of stranded people to eight. An initial Fire Services team managed to rescue three people, but five fishermen remained stranded.
Subsequently, a team comprising 10 rescue personnel and a local resident entered the lake in two boats to rescue the remaining fishermen. However, both boats capsized in the powerful currents, sweeping all 11 occupants downstream. The incident triggered an extensive search operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire Services.
The five stranded fishermen were eventually rescued by an NDRF team from Vijayawada late Wednesday night. Meanwhile, some of the missing rescue personnel managed to reach trees downstream and remained there until help arrived. Their locations were traced with the assistance of communication equipment, and all 11 people were rescued by Thursday morning. The personnel were shifted to Sathupalli Government Hospital for medical attention, with their condition reported to be stable.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy congratulated the NDRF, SDRF and Fire Services personnel for their courage and dedication. He had earlier directed Khammam District Collector Divakara T.S. to intensify rescue efforts and instructed Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju to monitor the operation. He also appreciated the coordination among various departments in ensuring everyone's safe return.
On Thursday, Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy visited Sathupalli Government Hospital and enquired about the health of the rescued personnel. Accompanied by Sathupalli MLA Matta Ragamayee, Ashwaraopeta MLA Jare Adinarayana, and the Collectors of Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts, Divakara T.S. and Ankit, respectively, he felicitated the SDRF and Fire Services personnel with shawls and presented them with fruits.
Meanwhile, floodwater from Bethupalli lake flowed downstream towards Veshyakanthala tank, inundating a nearby double-bedroom housing complex, with water reportedly reaching the first floor. Authorities shifted residents to relief centres as a precaution.