Rescuers are working hard to save eight workers trapped for over 48 hours in the Telangana Tunnel Tragedy. A state minister fears their survival chances are low because debris and water are making the rescue difficult.
Tunnel Collapse Details
The tunnel, located behind the Srisailam dam in Nagarkurnool, collapsed on Saturday morning while workers were inside fixing a leak. Most workers managed to escape, but eight were trapped and have not been in contact since then.
Trapped Workers
Four of the trapped individuals are laborers, and the other four are employees of the construction company, according to State Minister Krishna Rao, who is overseeing the rescue efforts.
Rescue Teams Involved
The Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and state agencies are involved in the rescue operation. Navy commandos have also arrived to assist, along with a team of six experts who helped in the 2023 Silkyara tunnel rescue in Uttarakhand.
Challenges in Rescue
The collapse occurred about 13 km from the tunnel entrance, and rescuers have reached within 100 meters of the trapped workers. However, water and debris are blocking their path. Minister Rao noted that the muck inside the tunnel is too high, making it impossible to walk, and rescuers are using rubber tubes and wooden planks to navigate.
Efforts to Overcome Challenges
Rescuers are calling for more equipment to aid in the rescue. There are concerns about cracks in the tunnel walls where water is leaking, and the sound of shifting boulders indicates that the roof in the collapsed section is unstable.
Government Response
The situation is being closely monitored at both central and state levels. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has spoken with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to inquire about the rescue operation, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full assistance.
Chief Minister’s Response
Chief Minister Reddy is continuously reviewing the situation and taking input from senior officials. He is aware of the challenges and has ordered arrangements to drain water from the tunnel and provide oxygen. Rescuers are removing debris and exploring alternative routes to reach the trapped workers.
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