India, July 29 -- Seventy-two tourists, including eight children, a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler and several senior citizens, were rescued after they were stranded near Zenith Waterfall in Khopoli on Monday afternoon when heavy rain triggered a sudden rise in the water level.

The nearly two-hour rescue operation was carried out jointly by the Khopoli police, the Khopoli Municipal Council Fire Brigade and volunteers from Help Foundation after an emergency call was received on the 112 helpline.

According to the police, the water level in the stream rose rapidly following intense rainfall, trapping the tourists on the opposite bank. Among those stranded were several elderly visitors aged between 60 and 65 years.

Rescue teams first stop...