Telangana Tunnel Collapse: 72 Hours On, Rescuers Scramble Amidst Daunting Obstacles, No Contact with Trapped Men

Nagarkurnool, Telangana – The agonizing wait continues as rescue operations enter their fourth day following the collapse of a section of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district. With eight individuals trapped deep within, rescue teams are battling against time and formidable challenges, with no contact established with the missing workers.  

The incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, has triggered a massive rescue effort involving multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, and experts from various specialized fields. However, the operation is being severely hampered by persistent water seepage, thick slush, and debris, making progress painstakingly slow.  

A Race Against Time

More than 72 hours have passed since the tunnel collapse, intensifying concerns about the survival of the trapped workers. The men, including engineers and machine operators, were working on the under-construction tunnel when a portion of the roof caved in, trapping them deep inside.  

Rescue teams are facing a complex and treacherous environment. The tunnel, filled with a mixture of mud, water, and broken machinery, presents a formidable obstacle. The last stretch of approximately 40 meters leading to the location of the trapped individuals is proving particularly challenging.  

Obstacles and Efforts

• Water and Slush:
  • Continuous water seepage and the accumulation of thick slush are significantly hindering rescue efforts.  
  • Dewatering operations are ongoing, but the persistent influx of water is posing a major challenge.
• Debris and Obstruction:
  • The collapsed section of the tunnel has created a significant amount of debris, obstructing the path of rescuers.  
  • Clearing the debris is a slow and meticulous process, requiring careful handling to avoid further collapses.
• Technical Challenges:
  • The deployment of advanced equipment, including endoscopic and robotic cameras, has yielded limited results.
  • Efforts to locate the trapped men using these tools are being hampered by the murky conditions within the tunnel.
• Expert Involvment:
  • Teams of rat-hole miners, who had proven invaluable during the Silkyara tunnel rescue, have been deployed to assist in the operation.  
  • Experts from Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) are also contributing to the rescue effort.  

A Grim Reality

Despite the tireless efforts of the rescue teams, the situation remains critical. State officials have expressed concerns about the diminishing chances of finding survivors. The sheer volume of mud and the length of time that has elapsed are contributing to the growing sense of urgency.

Families of the trapped workers are anxiously awaiting news, their hopes hanging on the perseverance of the rescue teams. The emotional toll of the situation is palpable, with loved ones clinging to the possibility of a miracle.

Ongoing Operations

Rescue teams are continuing to work around the clock, employing all available resources to reach the trapped individuals. The focus remains on clearing the debris, dewatering the tunnel, and attempting to establish contact with the missing workers.

The operation is a testament to the dedication and resilience of the rescue teams, who are working under immense pressure and in extremely challenging conditions.

As the wait continues, the nation watches and hopes for a positive outcome.