HYDERABAD: Rescue operations at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel have entered their 23rd day, following a collapse on February 22 that trapped eight workers. Despite the recovery of one body, seven workers remain unaccounted for.
Ongoing efforts to locate trapped workers
Rescue teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Singareni Collieries, are working tirelessly to locate the missing workers. Efforts have been intensified, with the use of advanced equipment and technology to navigate the debris-filled tunnel.
Challenges hindering progress
The rescue operations face significant challenges due to accumulated silt, mud, and rocks within the tunnel. Approximately 9 meters of debris have accumulated in the D1 area, necessitating the use of vacuum tankers for removal. Additionally, rat-hole miners from Singareni are conducting excavations in suspected areas, and robots are being deployed to assist in the final 40 meters of the tunnel.
Families Await Closure
Families of the trapped workers have been waiting at the tunnel site, hoping for the recovery of their loved ones’ bodies. The prolonged duration of the rescue operations has left them in a state of uncertainty, as they await news of their family members.
