Champawat, India - August 09, 2024

In a dramatic rescue mission in northern India’s Uttarakhand, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) sprang into action to save lives after a vehicle became stranded in the Kirola Stream.

The incident took place in Champawat district on August 9.

Visuals showed the SDRF officials braving the fierce current of the stream as they navigated towards the stranded vehicle. Using ropes and other rescue equipment, the team performed a heroic rescue under challenging conditions.

Speaking to Newslions, SDRF Media Coordinator Lalita Negi stated that upon arrival, the team discovered nine individuals inside the vehicle. Three had already been rescued by a Poclain machine. With the aid of local police and residents, SDRF managed to rescue four more, though one woman was found deceased. The search continues for the two missing individuals.

Reportedly, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Tanakpur alerted SDRF about the vehicle stranded in the stream. Two SDRF teams, led by Sub-Inspector Manish Bhakuni, were promptly dispatched. One team accessed the site via a 1.5 km road to commence rescue operations, while the other team initiated a search from the stream’s end near the Sharda River.

Members of the rescue team were, Sub-Inspector Manish Bhakuni, Head Constable Pravesh Nagarkoti, Head Constable Prakash Chand, Constable Naveen Pokhriya, Constable Narendra Rawat, Constable Krishna Singh, Constable Driver Suresh Mehra, Home Guard Rahul, Home Guard Manoj Gahthodi, Home Guard Lalit Mohan, Home Guard Anil Kumar, Utility Personnel Lalit Prasad.