Hyderabad: The Telangana State Fire and Disaster Management Department rescued 1,646 people trapped in floodwaters across six districts as heavy rains battered the state. Director General of Fire Services Nagi Reddy said rescue teams operated in Kamareddy, Medak, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Rajanna Sircilla and Siddipet.
Teams carried out 31 rescue missions to save farmers, shepherds, students, residents of low-lying colonies, children, pregnant women and even livestock. Fire personnel worked round the clock, braving floodwaters and darkness to bring people to safety.
Rescue operations highlight challenges and heroism
In Kamareddy town’s GR Colony, fire personnel evacuated residents marooned in floods late into the night, continuing until 11:30 pm. During the operation, two firemen and their vehicle got swept away by currents but colleagues rescued them immediately.
At Rajanna Sircilla, an Army helicopter airlifted five persons stranded in Narmala stream. In Adilabad and Jagtial, fire teams rescued four people. Another person was saved in Nirmal.
Officials reported an incident in Kamareddy where a man refused to leave his first-floor apartment despite repeated pleas from rescue staff. He continued calling senior officials, disrupting emergency work. Authorities warned that such actions obstruct life-saving operations.
The department said rescue efforts were still underway in flood-hit areas. Teams remain on high alert as rains are expected to continue. Officials advised citizens to stay away from streams, culverts and overflowing projects until conditions improve.
