Heavy rainfall led to severe waterlogging at NTPC Township at Rihand Nagar on 17 August 2026, when the NTPC Township in Rihand Nagar experienced severe waterlogging and residents were trapped in family quarters. Responding quickly to a distress call, CISF Fire Wing of CISF Unit RhSTPP Rihand Nagar launched a rescue operation and rescued seven people, including three children and two women.
The incident took place as torrential rainfall caused flood-like conditions in parts of NTPC Township to develop. Water had reached a depth of over 4.5 feet in the affected areas and residents could not move out of their homes by themselves. The CISF fire crew quickly mobilised its resources to get to the affected areas.
A fire crew, accompanied by a Water Tender, went to the waterlogged area after receiving information about people still trapped. The personnel reached the site and evaluated the situation and found family members still in different quarters. The amount of water they were able to accumulate was too deep for children and other vulnerable residents.
The CISF personnel were ready with life jackets, lifebuoys and ropes to enter the affected area and began their rescue operation. Each family was to be reached with care and taken to safety with the residents so as not to put them at any risks. The team did successfully save all seven people in the different family quarters.
The rescued group was composed of three children, two women and two men. Given the severe waterlogging and potentially unsafe conditions, they were first transferred to a secure location. They were transported to NTPC Hospital by ambulance so that they could receive medical attention and undergo necessary health checks.
The operation highlighted the need for fast emergency response during extreme events. Flooding and severe waterlogging can quickly turn residential areas into hazardous zones, particularly when water enters homes and restricts access to roads and exits. During these events, trained emergency personnel equipped with appropriate rescue gear can play a vital role in preventing injuries and saving lives.
Senior CISF officers and HR personnel also arrived at the site during the rescue operation to monitor the situation and coordinate the response. This enabled the rescue operation to be done in a structured manner while the condition of the affected residents and the surrounding area was monitored.
The CISF fire crew did not leave the site immediately after those seven people were rescued. Personnel searched the affected area further to ensure nobody else remained in the family quarters. The additional search was a key part of the operation because of the poor visibility and movement conditions created by the large amount of water.
When the team was satisfied that no other residents needed assistance, the fire crew safely returned to the Fire Station along with the Water Tender and other rescue equipment. The operation concluded once the trapped residents had been relocated to safety and the area had been thoroughly checked.
The CISF Fire Wing's quick action in real time has once again proved the ability of emergency response teams to do more than they normally do when they are just doing their jobs. CISF personnel are mainly responsible for security of critical infrastructure and industrial facilities; however, they also have the training and preparedness to respond effectively in case of emergencies and natural disasters.
Service Beyond Duty - CISF Rescued 7 Lives Amidst Flood like conditions
— CISF (@CISFHQrs) August 19, 2026
Following heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging at the NTPC Township on 17.08.2026, the CISF Fire Wing of CISF Unit RhSTPP Rihand Nagar promptly responded to a distress call. The fire crew, accompanied by a… pic.twitter.com/mp4KyrGqFC
The rescue at NTPC Township is a reminder of how extreme rainfall can lead to life-threatening conditions in a short time. It also underscores the importance of preparedness, emergency equipment and coordinated action for flooding and waterlogging in a community when it is happening.
The CISF Fire Wing team did save seven people, including three children, from a potentially dangerous situation and did not cause any loss of life. Their quick response, use of specialist rescue equipment and decision to search for the final time before returning to the station reflected a strong commitment to public safety and service beyond duty.
