Landslide complicates efforts to save trapped workers in Uttarakhand tunnel

In a harrowing turn of events, a fresh landslide in Uttarakhand has severely hampered the rescue operation of 40 laborers trapped for over 70 hours in an under-construction tunnel. Rescue officials, who had been tirelessly working to set up an auger drilling machine to create a passage for the trapped workers, faced a major setback as the landslide forced them to dismantle the setup.

A Race Against Time

The tunnel, part of a project between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway, collapsed on Sunday morning following a landslide. Initially, officials had removed 21 meters of the slab blocking the tunnel and were working to clear a 19 meters passage. However, the recent landslide has added to the already dire situation, complicating the rescue efforts further.

Trapped for Days! Inside the Dramatic Race Against Time to Save 40 Laborers in Uttarakhand

Rollercoaster of Emotions at the Rescue Site

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela had optimistically announced that the laborers could potentially be evacuated by Wednesday. But the latest visuals from the site depict a grim reality, showing rescue teams dismantling the drilling machine and platform. The State Emergency Operation Centre is now rushing to set up a new drilling machine amidst the chaotic scene.

Daunting Obstacles and Determined Efforts

Videos from the site reveal massive piles of concrete and twisted metal bars obstructing the rescue path. The plan involves pushing through steel pipes into the rubble to create an escape route. The laborers, believed to be safe, are reportedly being supplied with essential needs like oxygen, water, and food through tubes. The rescue teams, comprising workers from various states, have established communication with the trapped laborers using walkie-talkies.

Conclusion

The dramatic and ongoing rescue mission in Uttarakhand highlights the perils faced by laborers in high-risk construction sites. The relentless efforts of the rescue teams in the face of adversity embody the spirit of hope and determination, as they race against time to save the trapped workers.