Rescuers in India, working tirelessly to free 41 workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand, faced a setback on Saturday as their drilling machine malfunctioned. The Silkyara tunnel partially collapsed on November 12, prompting a challenging rescue operation. The drilling machine, attempting to penetrate 57 meters of rock and concrete, encountered buried metal rods and construction vehicles, rendering it irreparable. The setback necessitated a shift to manual excavation, making the operation more complex and potentially extending the rescue timeline.
Rescuers were employing an auger machine for horizontal drilling to reach the trapped workers. However, the machine sustained damage just nine meters from the target due to buried metal rods and vehicles.With the drilling machine deemed irreparable, rescuers are compelled to undertake manual excavation. Hand-held power tools will be used to cut through the final nine meters, a process expected to be slower and more labor-intensive.
In parallel, rescuers are exploring an alternative plan to reach the trapped workers from above. A new machine has been introduced for vertical drilling, although this approach presents additional risks in an already compromised area.The rescue operation is becoming more complex, requiring a careful assessment of the psychological state of the trapped workers. Monitoring their well-being is crucial, considering the potential prolongation of the operation.
The workers inside the tunnel have been receiving hot meals and oxygen through dedicated pipes. A team of doctors, including psychiatrists, is monitoring their health. Despite the challenges, the trapped individuals reportedly remain in good spirits.Families of the trapped workers, who have gathered at the accident site, are receiving regular updates about the rescue efforts. The operation’s uncertainties necessitate ongoing communication and support for the families awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.
The setback in the drilling operation adds a layer of complexity to the rescue efforts in Uttarakhand. The shift to manual excavation and the exploration of alternative plans underscore the challenges faced by the rescue teams. The well-being of the trapped workers and the ongoing support for their families remain paramount as the operation unfolds in this mountainous region of India.
