4 picnickers stranded on island in MP, rescued after 11-hr operation, food provided via drones

Four picnickers were left marooned on an island in Madhya Pradesh in the Handikundi region of the Khandwa district, where rivers Sukta and Avana meet. According to officials, the water levels of the rivers rose suddenly due to heavy rains in the area. The group was rescued on Friday after an 11-hour rescue operation, officials told PTI.Jabalpur: People cross the swollen Narmada river on a boat after heavy rain, at Gwarighat in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Thursday, July 30, 2026. (PTI Photo)(PTI07_30_2026_000289B) (PTI)The group of picnickers, comprising Huzefa Hamid (40), Mayank alias Gopal (16), Ali Asgar (35), and Ayush (18) were stranded 20 kilometres away from the dstrict headquarters, on Thursday, officials told PTI.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.Also Read | Heavy downpours batter parts of Chhattisgarh; five killed in rain-related incidents; roads cut off"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 PTIWith 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.Also Read | Assam floods: Death toll climbs to 80, 2 lakh remain affected in 4 districts"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 told PTI.Also Read | 1,200 rescued from Umargam as flood situation worsens in south GujaratOfficials said that a motoroat, controlled by safety ropes, was towed to the island amid the strong current 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.