In a daunting turn of events, the rescue operation to save 41 workers trapped in a tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand, India, faces further delays due to technical issues with the drilling equipment. The US-made machine, crucial for creating an escape route, has malfunctioned, prolonging the ordeal of the trapped workers who have been stuck for 12 days.
Rescue Operation Hindered by Machine Breakdown
The workers have been trapped in the Silkara tunnel in the Indian Himalayas since a section of the 4.5km tunnel caved in on November 12, following a landslide. Although communication was established and the workers have been receiving essential supplies, their rescue has been fraught with challenges.
Repairs and Reinforcements Required
Bhaskar Khulbe, a former advisor to the prime minister’s office and a key figure in the rescue mission, informed the media about the complications. The platform supporting the drilling machine weakened, necessitating overnight repairs on Thursday. Efforts to reinforce the platform with concrete are underway, with expectations to restart drilling on Friday.
Complexities in the Rescue Efforts
The objective is to drill through a 60m debris wall blocking the tunnel’s exit. The rescue plan involves sending multiple pipes through the debris to form a micro-tunnel, allowing the extraction of the workers on stretchers. However, the presence of rocks, stones, and metal within the debris adds to the complexity of the operation.
Challenges Faced by Rescuers
The mission was already set back on Wednesday when rescuers encountered a thick metal rod, requiring the use of gas cutters for removal. Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain, a member of the National Disaster Response Force, highlighted the unpredictability of such operations, given the varied obstacles faced while drilling.
Tunnelling expert Arnold Dix, part of the rescue team, noted that the drilling machine had broken down three times during the operation. “We’re very close, just the length of a bus away from the trapped men, but the mountain seems to have different ideas,” he commented.
Concerns and Preparedness
The region’s susceptibility to landslides and earthquakes further complicates the rescue mission. Ambulances remain on standby outside the tunnel, ready to transport the workers to a nearby hospital as soon as they are rescued.
The ongoing saga in Uttarakhand is a stark reminder of the challenges and uncertainties inherent in such rescue operations. As the world watches, hopes remain high for the safe return of the trapped workers, despite the daunting obstacles faced by the rescue team.
Also learn about New Rescue Strategies Deployed for 41 Workers Trapped in Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse.
