4 stranded on island in Madhya Pradesh after water levels rise, rescued after 11hr operation

4 people had gone for a picnic in the Handikundi area. The water level of the rivers suddenly rose due to heavy rains, leaving the group stranded on an island.

Updated on: Jul 31, 2026, 14:18:59 IST

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Four picnickers were left marooned on an island in Madhya Pradesh in the Handikundi region of the Khandwa district at the confluece of Sukta and Avana rivers after the water level rose suddenly.

SDERF teams waited for the water level to recede while officials worked on alternative rescue plans. (Representational Photo/PTI)

According to officials, the water level of the rivers rose due to heavy rains in the area. The group was rescued on Friday after an 11-hour rescue operation, officials told news agency PTI.

The group — Huzefa Hamid (40), Mayank alias Gopal (16), Ali Asgar (35), and Ayush (18) — were stranded 20 kilometres away from the dstrict headquarters on Thursday, said officials.

Following information received from the police control room at around 6:15 pm on Thursday, a State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) team reached the spot and launched a rescue operation.

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"Initially, an attempt was made to tow a motorboat to the island using safety ropes, but this proved extremely risky due to the strong current," an official told PTI

With the safety of both rescue personnel and those stranded on the island as the priority, SDERF teams waited for the water level to recede while officials worked on alternative rescue plans.

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"Keeping the safety of the stranded people in mind, life jackets, food, and drinking water were delivered to the island using drones. This provided relief and ensured their safety until the water level receded. Constant contact was maintained with them via mobile phone, boosting their morale," an official said.

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Officials said that a motorboat, controlled by safety ropes, was towed to the island amid strong currents after the water level partially receded. All four were safely rescued at around 4.45 am on Friday, after an operation lasting nearly 11 hours, they added.

(With inputs from PTI)

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