Telangana tunnel collapse: No contact with workers trapped for 72hrs
What's the story
Rescue operations have been underway for over 72 hours to save eight workers trapped in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana.
The tunnel collapsed on Saturday morning, and despite continuous efforts by multiple teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Indian Army, no significant progress has been made.
Experts from the Geological Survey of India and the National Geographical Research Institute are also part of this mission.
Obstacles encountered
Rescue teams face challenges, no communication established
Nagarkurnool District Collector B Santhosh said the rescue teams are struggling because of a 40-50 meter block inside the tunnel.
"As of now, we are not able to communicate with them (trapped). We are taking the advice of the Geological Survey of India and some other people," he told PTI.
The trapped people include two engineers, two operators, and four laborers from different parts of India.
Families' arrival
Family members of trapped workers arrive at site
Relatives of four Jharkhand workers have reached Telangana, aided by police officials.
A team of rat miners, who successfully rescued workers from Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel in 2023, joined operations on Monday.
They intend to assess conditions before deciding further.
Visuals show rescue workers crawling through debris obstructing access to the trapped miners.
Endoscopic and robotic cameras were deployed on Monday to help assess conditions inside the tunnel.
Rescue progress
Rescue efforts intensify, survival chances appear grim
An NDRF dog squad is also helping in rescue operations.
Rescue officials are dewatering the tunnel to remove accumulated mud and water while pumping oxygen inside to support potential survivors.
Telangana Minister J Krishna Rao had earlier expressed doubts about their survival chances, saying, "To be honest, the chances of their survival are very, very, very, very remote... When we shouted their names also, there was no response...so, there is no chance at all."