In a race against time, rescue efforts to free dozens of workers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand have faced a setback on the seventh day as a giant drilling machine encountered technical issues. The workers have been stranded for nearly 150 hours after a section of the tunnel collapsed on Sunday morning. The situation became more critical when a sudden "cracking sound" halted operations, necessitating the deployment of a second heavy drill.
Officials on the ground have confirmed that the rescue operations ceased following the unexpected issue with the drilling machine. Airlifting another substantial drill to the accident site is now underway, and operations are anticipated to resume by 10 am.
The 40 workers, trapped in the tunnel since the collapse, are reportedly safe, with authorities ensuring a supply of food and water through steel pipes drilled into the opening. However, the families of the workers, present at the site, are growing increasingly anxious, emphasizing the urgency of rescuing their loved ones before their health deteriorates.
Medical professionals have also raised concerns about the well-being of the trapped workers, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive rehabilitation. Prolonged confinement, both mentally and physically, may require extensive recovery processes once the workers are freed.
The tunnel collapse occurred on November 12 in the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel, creating a challenging situation for rescue teams. Efforts to reach the trapped workers faced obstacles from falling debris during drilling, as rescuers aimed to create a pathway for the workers to crawl to safety.
With the drilling operations temporarily halted due to technical issues, the Indian Air Force has mobilized a second machine from Indore on a C-130 Hercules military plane. As the nation holds its breath, the impending arrival of the new drilling equipment brings hope for the swift resumption of rescue operations, underscoring the critical nature of this ongoing humanitarian effort.
