SDERF Rescues 4 Stranded On River Island In Khandwa
Four picnickers trapped, rescued after 11 hours. SDERF launches operation

Four people, including Huzefa Hamid, Mayank alias Gopal, Ali Asgar, and Ayush, were rescued from an island at the confluence of the Sukta and Avana rivers in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh, after an 11-hour operation by the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF).
The group had gone for a picnic to the Handikundi area, about 20 km from the district headquarters, on Thursday. However, heavy rain caused the river levels to rise suddenly, trapping them on the island.
The SDERF launched a rescue operation after receiving information from the police control room at around 6:15 pm. Initially, an attempt to tow a motorboat to the island with safety ropes failed due to the strong current.
The rescuers then adopted an alternative strategy, prioritizing the safety of both the stranded group and rescue personnel. They used drones to deliver life jackets, food, and drinking water to the island while maintaining regular mobile phone contact with the stranded picnickers.
Once the water level receded partially, the rescue team towed a motorboat to the island with the help of safety ropes, despite the strong current. The SDERF safely rescued all four at around 4:45 am on Friday, bringing the overnight operation to a successful conclusion.
The rescue operation was a testament to the preparedness and expertise of the SDERF team, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safe evacuation of the stranded group. The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and the need for emergency response teams to be equipped to handle such situations.
The confluence of the Sukta and Avana rivers is a popular spot for picnickers, but it can also be prone to flash flooding during heavy rainfall. The incident serves as a reminder for people to be cautious when venturing into such areas, especially during the monsoon season.
The successful rescue operation has brought relief to the families of the stranded individuals, who were anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones. The incident has also highlighted the importance of coordination between emergency response teams and the police control room in responding to such situations.
In conclusion, the rescue operation by the SDERF in Khandwa district is a notable example of the bravery and expertise of emergency response teams in India. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and the need for effective emergency response systems.
The rescue operation has significant implications for the people of Khandwa district, who can take comfort in the knowledge that there are trained and equipped emergency response teams available to respond to such situations. The incident also highlights the need for awareness and education on disaster preparedness and response, especially in areas prone to natural disasters.
Overall, the successful rescue operation by the SDERF is a testament to the dedication and expertise of emergency response teams in India, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the four picnickers in Khandwa?
They were trapped on an island due to sudden rise in river levels and were rescued by SDERF after 11 hours.
How did the SDERF team rescue the stranded picnickers?
The team used drones to deliver life jackets, food, and water, and then towed a motorboat to the island with safety ropes once the water level receded.