Daring River Rescue: Fire Force Saves Four in Palakkad

Fire force personnel successfully rescued four individuals, including an elderly couple, stranded on a rock in the swollen Chittoor river in Palakkad. The water level rose due to rains and the release from the Moolathara regulator. Kerala Power Minister Krishnankutty oversaw the rescue, executed with ropes and inflatable rescue tubes.

In an audacious rescue operation on Tuesday, fire force personnel saved four individuals, including an elderly man and woman, stranded on a rock in the swelling Chittoor river in Palakkad district.

The water level in the Chittoor river surged after water was released from the Moolathara regulator area, spurred by rains in its catchment regions.

Kerala Power Minister Krishnankutty swiftly appeared at the scene and took command of the daring rescue mission. Fire force personnel courageously reached the rock, establishing a connection to the riverbank using a rope.

Television visuals displayed the four individuals, equipped with life jackets, being safely transported to the shore on inflatable rescue tubes attached to the rope, ensuring they were not carried away by the strong currents.

Minister Krishnankutty praised the fire force personnel for their fearless and successful operation.

An orange alert had been issued in Palakkad, cautioning of very heavy rainfall ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm. Officials had warned of potential water level increases and advised vigilance for those residing along the Chittoor river. Despite these warnings, the four individuals, residents of Mysuru, Karnataka, visited Palakkad in search of jobs and unknowingly entered the river, subsequently becoming stranded as water levels abruptly rose.

(With inputs from agencies.)