The race against time continues in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi as rescue teams relentlessly work to evacuate 40 construction workers trapped beneath debris for over 120 hours following a tunnel collapse. Concerns regarding the workers’ health and mental well-being loom large as elite rescue teams engage in a complex operation to secure their safe extraction.
The collapse occurred on November 12 within the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel, entombing the workers. International expertise, including teams from Thailand and Norway, renowned for previous successful rescue missions, have joined local efforts to aid in this critical operation.
Rescuers have managed to penetrate up to 30 meters into the debris, installing five supply pipes for food and oxygen to sustain the trapped workers. However, medical professionals stress the urgent need for comprehensive rehabilitation due to the psychological and physical toll the prolonged entrapment may have on the workers.
Dr. Archana Sharma, a consultant clinical psychologist, highlighted the potential trauma and uncertainty the workers may be experiencing, stressing the need for psychological support. Dr. Ajay Agarwal, Director of Internal Medicine, emphasized potential health risks such as panic attacks, hypothermia, and asphyxia due to the confined space and environmental factors.
Construction sites often pose inherent dangers, and the impact from falling debris can result in severe injuries, complicating the situation further with unsanitary conditions and infection risks.
Rescue efforts received a boost with the arrival of an ‘American auger’ machine, airlifted from New Delhi. This specialized equipment is expected to expedite excavation by cutting through 70 meters of rock, paving the way to reach the trapped workers.
The collapsed tunnel forms part of the Char Dham project, aimed at improving connectivity to Hindu pilgrimage sites. The deployment of advanced machinery signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing rescue, providing hope for the safe retrieval of the trapped workers.
Sources By Agencies