Helicopter rescue operation saves 28 farmers in southern India’s floods
by Aditi VermaIn a dramatic rescue operation, 28 farmers were airlifted to safety after being trapped in floodwaters in southern India’s Telangana.
The incident took place at Ashwaraopet Pedda Vagu stream in Bhadradri Kothagudem district on July 18.
Visuals showed a helicopter hovering over a flooded area, sent to rescue the people trapped there. The rescue team first brought the stranded individuals from their houses to a designated spot using boats and safety jackets. People stood in line in the flooded area, waiting to board the helicopter.
A swift rescue operation involving helicopters saved 28 farmers who were trapped in floodwaters in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district. The incident occurred due to large-scale flooding of the Ashwaraopet Pedda Vagu stream following heavy rains lashing the state.
Kothagudem district has been severely affected by the floods, particularly downstream villages. Revenue and disaster management department teams, along with the support of two helicopters, managed to airlift 28 people trapped in agricultural fields to safety.
“The process of moving people from Gummadivelli, Koyagudem, Kothur, and Gajulapalli villages to resettlement camps is underway,” informed Kothagudem District Collector Jitesh. Heavy rainfall caused a sudden surge of 40,000 cusecs in the stream, forcing authorities to lift the gates of the project. Irrigation Department Secretary Rahul Bojja clarified that the flood situation has stabilized, and senior officials are on the scene to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that a total of 51 people were caught in the floodwaters. District Disaster Response Force (DDRF) boats and a Navy helicopter from Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, successfully rescued 41 individuals. Efforts continue to locate and rescue the remaining 10 people.
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