Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority says that up till now, nearly 23 people have been rescued safely
A tourist boat capsized in the Godavari River in Devipatnnam, Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, resulting in the death of at least 12 people. The death toll is likely to go up as many of the 61 people on board the vessel are still missing and a massive search operation for survivors is currently underway.
Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) said that up till now, nearly 23 people have been rescued safely. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Reddy had directed the state authorities to co-ordinate effectively for the rescue operation. He has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased and called for a check of all boats' safety measures alongside permits and licenses. As an added measure, the Andhra government has stopped plying of all passengers/tourist boats with immediate effect.
Following the tragedy, PM Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident. "Extremely pained by the capsizing of a boat in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Rescue operations are currently underway at the site of the tragedy','' he tweeted. Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have also expressed their condolences on the tragic incident.
Immediately after the mishap, two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 30 members each, were rushed to the spot. Two SDRF teams, with 40 members each, were also on site to coordinate on the rescue operation. According to an official statement, Reddy has directed NDRF, Navy and ONGC helicopters to carry out the rescue operations on a war-footing.
As the floodwater in the river had reduced, the authorities had accorded permission for boating in the river.
Zee Media Newsroom
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