A section of a tunnel under construction for the Srisailam Tunnel Canal Project in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, has collapsed, trapping eight people. A large-scale rescue operation is underway to safely extract them.
Hyderabad: A section of a tunnel under construction for the Srisailam Tunnel Canal Project in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, has collapsed, trapping eight people. A massive rescue operation is underway to bring them to safety. State government, army, NDRF, and expert teams are continuously engaged in the rescue operation. Since the incident, there has been no contact with those trapped, increasing the rescue team's concern.
Top 10 Updates on the Tunnel Incident
* Time and Location of the Accident – The incident occurred in Nagarkurnool district under the Srisailam Tunnel Canal Project while over 50 laborers were working in the tunnel.
* Who is trapped inside? – Those trapped include two engineers, two operators, and four laborers. They are reportedly residents of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.
* How did the accident happen? – The tunnel ceiling suddenly collapsed while work was underway, trapping eight people 13.5 kilometers inside. 42 others managed to escape.
* Complexity of the rescue operation – According to the rescue team, a large amount of debris and water has accumulated inside the tunnel. This needs to be cleared before further action can be taken.
* Deployment of NDRF and SDRF teams – NDRF, SDRF, army, and mining experts are working to remove the debris and reach the trapped individuals.
* Use of drones and other technologies – Drones are being used to assess the situation inside the tunnel.
* Assistance from experts – Experts who participated in the rescue operation at the Silkira tunnel incident in Uttarakhand have been called in.
* Monitoring by Chief Minister and Prime Minister – Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking central government assistance. PM Modi has assured all possible help.
* Teams hesitant to enter – Loud noises are still emanating from the tunnel, causing the rescue team to exercise extreme caution before proceeding further.
* Vigilance of the local administration – State Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the government will not allow any delays in the rescue operation and is striving to rescue the trapped individuals as soon as possible with the help of experts.
Biggest Challenge in the Rescue Mission So Far
The biggest problem in the rescue operation is the water and heavy debris inside the tunnel. According to NDRF Deputy Commander Sukhendu, there is a 200-meter patch filled with debris that will take time to clear. Until this is removed, the precise location of the trapped workers cannot be ascertained. Teams have tried contacting the trapped laborers by calling out their names, but there has been no response, further increasing the rescue team's worry.
What will be the next strategy?
Currently, the priority is to remove the water from the tunnel, followed by debris removal. Only then will it be possible to reach the trapped individuals. The government has assured that it is taking all possible steps in this disaster and has instructed to expedite the rescue operation. All eyes are now on this rescue mission, waiting to see when the trapped individuals can be reached and brought to safety.
