Khandwa: 4 stranded on island rescued by SDERF
Four people stranded on a small island at the confluence of two rain-swollen rivers in Khandwa district were rescued safely in the early hours of Friday after an 11-hour operation carried out by the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF).
The incident occurred in the Handikundi area, around 20 kilometres from the Khandwa district headquarters, where the Sukta and Avana rivers meet. The group had gone for a picnic on Thursday when the water level rose rapidly following heavy rainfall in the region, cutting off their access to the riverbank and leaving them trapped on the island.
The stranded individuals were identified as Huzefa Hamid (40), Mayank alias Gopal (16), Ali Asgar (35), and Ayush (18). After receiving information at around 6.15 pm, police alerted the SDERF, which immediately rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.
Officials said the rescue team initially attempted to send a motorboat to the island using safety ropes. However, the strong current made the operation too risky, prompting rescuers to suspend the attempt to avoid endangering both the trapped group and rescue personnel.
As the water level remained high, the SDERF adopted an alternative strategy. Using drones, rescuers delivered life jackets, food packets and drinking water to the stranded picnickers, ensuring their safety through the night. Officials also maintained constant mobile phone contact with them to monitor their condition and reassure them as the rescue operation continued.
Once the river current weakened and the water level receded slightly, rescuers resumed the operation. A motorboat, secured with safety ropes, was successfully guided to the island, and all four people were brought back safely at around 4.45 am on Friday.
Officials said the successful rescue highlighted the importance of patience, careful planning and the use of technology during disaster response. They also urged people to avoid visiting riverbanks and low-lying areas during the monsoon, as water levels can rise suddenly due to heavy rainfall upstream, posing a serious risk to life.
