Hyderabad: The Telangana Fire and Disaster Response Department carried out large-scale rescue operations in six districts hit by severe flooding after continuous heavy rains. Kamareddy, Medak, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Rajanna Sircilla, and Siddipet faced massive inundation as rivers and irrigation tanks overflowed. Breaches and backwaters also cut road and bridge connectivity.
Massive rescue efforts
Rescue teams saved 1,646 people, including farmers, shepherds, children, elderly persons, pregnant women, and officials. Operations covered 31 locations. Teams worked through Wednesday night, continuing until 11:30 p.m. in Kamareddy town’s GR Colony and nearby areas, where water levels rose to dangerous levels.
DG Nagi Reddy on the ground
Director General Y. Nagi Reddy, IPS, Fire and Disaster Response, visited GR Colony, Housing Board Colony, and other flooded localities in Kamareddy to supervise operations. He said all rescue efforts in these colonies ended by Thursday noon. “No lives were lost thanks to the combined efforts of the Fire Department and District Administration,” he stated.
Challenges for rescue teams
Rescue teams faced setbacks as inflatable boats, life jackets, and other equipment suffered damage. In one instance, two firemen in Kamareddy were swept away with their vehicle but survived because of professional training and quick response.
Clarification on false claims
The department dismissed false claims by one resident who refused evacuation despite repeated appeals. While three of his neighbours were rescued, he stayed back on the first floor of his apartment and later made repeated calls to senior officers, disrupting rescue priorities. Officials said they act strictly on urgency, risk, and feasibility.
Public cooperation appeal
The department urged citizens to support rescue teams during floods and avoid spreading false claims. “Our record in Kamareddy shows our commitment—every life in these colonies was safeguarded,” DG Nagi Reddy said.
