Rescue teams continue to search for seven people trapped in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana. Today marks the 18th day since a section of the tunnel collapsed, burying the workers under debris.
To aid in the rescue operation, officials have deployed a robot designed to assist with digging. Along with the robot, rescue teams include around 110 members from various agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Singareni Collieries, and others. These teams are also using two specially trained dogs to help locate the missing individuals.
The rescue operations are focused on two main areas identified by the dogs and ground scanning equipment. One of these areas, known as D3 point, is near where the body of Gurpreet Singh, an operator of the tunnel boring machine (TBM), was found last Sunday. Teams have been digging about 12 feet deep in this area, although so far, nothing has been recovered.
When the collapse occurred on February 22, Singh was about 15 meters from the end of the tunnel but was pushed back approximately 150 meters due to the mudslide. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and officials are hopeful that more victims can be found in the D3 area.
However, rescuers face significant challenges. The D1 point, which was also identified for search efforts, is in a dangerous part of the tunnel that could collapse further. To ensure safety, the rescue teams are reinforcing the tunnel’s roof before continuing their search and digging.
The robot sent into the tunnel is expected to be fully operational by tomorrow, which could enhance the chance of locating the trapped workers. Meanwhile, teams are also managing the removal of materials and silt from the tunnel to create a safer work environment.
As the rescue efforts continue, the community remains hopeful for a successful outcome.
