SDRF rescues over 14,000 people during Budameru floods

In an extraordinary show of resilience and coordination, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) successfully evacuated over 14,188 people during the devastating Budameru floods that affected several areas, including Ajith Singh Nagar, Payakapuram, LIC Colony, Devi Nagar, and RR Peta, between August 31 and September 12, 2024.
In a release issued on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, the SDRF highlighted their rapid response to the disaster. As widespread flooding wreaked havoc, the SDRF teams swiftly mobilised 35 inflatable rubber boats, enabling large-scale evacuations and saving countless lives. In addition to rescuing people, they also shifted 544 livestock, including sheep and goats, to safer locations between August 1 and August 2, 2024. These operations were carried out under the guidance of senior officers Ch. Srikanth, Inspector General of Police (L&O), and B. Raja Kumari, Deputy Inspector General of Police, APSP Battalions.
The SDRF reported the successful evacuation of 14,188 people from flood-affected areas, the saving of lives through timely interventions, and the critical rescue of individuals requiring medical attention, including pregnant women. Ongoing relief efforts are providing food, shelter, and medical assistance, with rehabilitation and recovery continuing to be a key focus as operations progress.
The affected communities expressed their gratitude for the SDRF’s swift response. “We are thankful for the bravery and dedication of the SDRF teams, who have gone above and beyond to save lives,” said one local resident. Another added, “The quick evacuation and rescue efforts helped minimise the impact of the disaster.”
As recovery efforts continue, the SDRF’s relentless work remains a vital force in supporting those impacted by the Budameru floods. Their dedication to ensuring safety and providing assistance has played a crucial role in mitigating the disaster’s effects and aiding the region’s rehabilitation.