World · South & Central Asia · 2 hrs ago
Rescuers missing after two boats capsize in Telangana floodwaters
Two rescue boats capsized in floodwaters in Sathupalli, Telangana, on Wednesday as teams tried to reach stranded fishermen.
Reports differ on how many rescue workers are missing: nine or 11 personnel from the State Disaster Response Force and Fire Services.
The teams were responding after five fishermen became trapped by strong currents in a swollen waterbody in Khammam district.
The fishermen were reported safe, but the accounts differ on the name of the waterbody.
Heavy rain had caused flooding, and strong currents and winds were reported during the rescue attempt.
National disaster response teams joined the search, while officials also planned to use drones to drop life jackets.
The search continued Wednesday night, and the state revenue minister said he planned to visit the site on Thursday.
Two rescue boats capsized in floodwaters in Khammam district, Telangana, during an operation to reach fishermen, leaving rescue personnel missing.
Reports differed on the number missing: The Hindu reported nine, including five State Disaster Response Force personnel, while Hindustan Times reported 11 from the SDRF and Fire Services Department.
The boats capsized in Sathupalli mandal as rescue teams headed towards five fishermen trapped in the water.
The fishermen were reported safe, and search and rescue efforts continued with local authorities and disaster response teams.
Officials called in National Disaster Response Force teams and prepared to use drones to drop life jackets.
- Who
- Rescue personnel from the SDRF and Fire Services Department were reported missing. Reports differed on the number: nine in The Hindu and 11 in Hindustan Times.
- What
- Two rescue boats capsized during an operation to reach stranded fishermen.
- When
- Wednesday evening, November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Sathupalli mandal, Khammam district, Telangana. The Hindu identified the waterway as Peddacheruvu; Hindustan Times called it Bethupalli tank.
- Why
- The boats capsized in turbulent floodwaters. The Hindu cited strong winds and powerful currents; Hindustan Times said the boats capsized while proceeding towards the fishermen.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Two rescue boats capsized during an operation to reach fishermen in floodwaters in Sathupalli mandal.
Officials and disaster response teams began search and rescue efforts, with NDRF personnel called in.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy said he planned to visit the site.
- Missing personnel
- Nine reported by The Hindu; 11 reported by Hindustan Times
- Rescue boats
- Two inflatable boats
- Stranded fishermen
- Five, reported safe
- Location
- Sathupalli mandal, Khammam district, Telangana
- Rescue support
- NDRF teams called in; drones planned to drop life jackets