Drone Search Locates Woman Lost Overnight in Nellore Forest

A woman who became lost in a forest in the SPSR Nellore district of India has been safely located after an overnight ordeal. Nagadasari Ratnamma, aged 55, was found near the Mamidikona base camp on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Ratnamma had entered the forest on Monday morning to collect firewood and became disoriented while attempting to return to her village. She reportedly traveled approximately eight kilometers into the forest before realizing she was lost and spent the night under a tree. Her family, unable to locate her after she failed to return, alerted the police the following morning.

What Happened

The Rapur police, in coordination with the Forest Department, initiated a search operation. The effort involved a drone team, personnel from the Mamidikona base camp, Special Branch police, and forest officials. By employing drone technology in conjunction with information provided by local residents, search teams were able to pinpoint Ratnamma's location on Tuesday morning around 11:30 a.m.

Key Facts

• Nagadasari Ratnamma, 55, was lost in a forest in SPSR Nellore district.
• She went into the forest to collect firewood on Monday morning around 11 a.m.
• She was found near the Mamidikona base camp on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, around 11:30 a.m.
• Police and Forest Department officials used a drone to locate her.
• The search operation was coordinated by Rapur Sub-Inspector Tirumala Rao and involved a drone team, Mamidikona base camp, Special Branch police, and Forest department officials.
• The District Superintendent of Police Ajitha Vejendla commended the police for their prompt response.
• Ratnamma was taken to Rapur government hospital for medical examination and then handed over to her husband.