Silkyara Team Joins the Telangana Tunnel Rescue Mission
Rescuers Race Against Time in Telangana Tunnel Collapse
Rescuers are in a race against time to bring out the eight workers who have been trapped for over 48 hours in a collapsed tunnel in Telangana. The collapse occurred in a 44-km-long tunnel behind the Srisailam dam in Nagarkurnool, where workers were inside repairing a leak. While most workers managed to escape, eight individuals remain trapped and out of contact since Saturday.
State Minister Krishna Rao has warned that the survival chances of the trapped workers are bleak due to a pileup of muck and water hindering the rescue mission. Four of the trapped individuals are labourers, while the other four are employees of the construction company.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
Various agencies, including the Army, National Disaster Response Force, and state agencies, are engaged in the rescue operation. Navy commandos and six members of the team behind the 2023 Silkyara tunnel operation in Uttarakhand have also joined the rescue efforts. Despite the efforts of the rescuers, challenges such as water and muck impeding the rescue operation have been reported.
The collapse occurred approximately 13 km from the mouth of the tunnel, and rescuers have managed to reach the final 100 metres. However, the presence of water and muck inside the tunnel has made it difficult for rescuers to navigate. The situation is being closely monitored by authorities at both the central and state levels.
Need for More Equipment and Assistance
Rescuers have highlighted the need for additional equipment to aid in the rescue operation. Reports have indicated cracks on the tunnel walls, with water gushing out, necessitating dewaterisation. Concerns about the stability of the roof in the collapsed portion of the tunnel have also been raised, particularly regarding the noises of shifting boulders.
Political Support and Assurance
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both offered their support and assistance in the rescue operation. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been actively monitoring the situation and taking inputs from senior officials. Efforts are underway to drain water from inside the tunnel, provide oxygen, and explore alternative routes to reach the collapse site.
Despite the challenges and bleak survival chances, rescuers remain hopeful and are dedicated to bringing out the trapped workers. The collaborative efforts of various agencies and political support indicate a unified approach to the rescue mission in Telangana.