Citizens’ Rescue Team Saves Families From Flooded Divya Localities

Disaster Management Expert Sanjay Ketkar Leads Brave Effort Amid Torrential Rains In Thane District

Thane, August 22: Heavy rains over the past few days have wreaked havoc across Thane district, leaving several areas of Mumbra, Diva, and Shilphata waterlogged and disrupting daily life. At a time when the administration was stretched to its limits, a small citizen-led rescue team emerged as saviours for dozens of stranded families.

Led by 64-year-old disaster management expert Sanjay Ketkar, the team from Siddhachal Co-operative Housing Societies Federation (Apex Body), Thane rushed into action after receiving a distress call from TDRF commando Sachin Dubey. Dubey had reported that many residents of Dativali, Gopaldham Apartments, and Shibli Nagar were trapped in waist-deep water without power or access to safety.

The Rescue Operation

Ketkar, along with residents Yogesh Chavan, hospital representative Sakshi Gupta, and security guard Shivpujan Yadav, made their way to the flooded sites on August 20 around noon. Despite their limited resources, the group used training in emergency response to clear safe passages and escort families out of submerged homes.

Eyewitnesses said ground-floor houses were fully underwater while power supply had been cut. The team spent nearly four to five hours evacuating families, helping children and elderly residents navigate floodwaters. Local citizens, inspired by the group, joined hands to support the effort.

Citizens’ Role In Disaster Management

Speaking after the successful operation, Ketkar stressed that while the administration always works to protect lives, local citizen training in disaster management can be a game-changer. He urged more people to undergo civil defence and disaster preparedness training, pointing out that coordinated efforts between residents and authorities multiply the chances of survival in emergencies.

Public Appreciation And Takeaways

Residents of the affected neighbourhoods lauded the courage and leadership of the rescue team, calling them “angels in crisis.” Though the water levels had begun to recede slowly, the immediate intervention prevented panic and ensured that families were relocated safely.

This episode has highlighted the power of community-driven action in the face of climate disasters. For Thane and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the message is clear: citizen preparedness and training are as crucial as official machinery in disaster response.