Bhavnagar, Gujarat: In a remarkable display of community spirit and collaboration, 29 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu were rescued from a stranded bus on a flooded causeway here after an overnight operation that lasted over eight hours. The pilgrims were on their way to Somnath after visiting the Nishkalank Mahadev temple when their bus became trapped due to rising water levels, reports the Vartha Bharati.
The successful rescue operation was a coordinated effort between local Muslims and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Rescuers first reached the bus using a mini-truck, breaking the rear window to assist the 27 pilgrims onboard. However, the mini-truck also became stranded during the rescue. In response, a larger truck was arranged, enabling the safe transfer of all 29 individuals, including the rescuers, to safety.
Despite the significant involvement of local Muslims in this rescue effort, mainstream media coverage has largely overlooked their contributions. Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of Alt News and a prominent fact-checker, highlighted this disparity on social media, noting that while mainstream outlets focus on negative narratives, positive stories of unity and assistance often remain unreported.
The collective effort of the community and NDRF underscores the importance of solidarity in times of crisis, showcasing the power of cooperation in overcoming challenges faced by those in need.