Tragic Tunnel Incident in Telangana: Cadaver Dogs Detect Human Remains
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Synopsis
The search operation for eight missing individuals in Telangana's SLBC tunnel has made progress, with cadaver dogs detecting human presence under the rubble, prompting further excavation efforts by rescue teams.
Key Takeaways
- 15-day search operation for missing individuals.
- Cadaver dogs locate potential human presence.
- Rescue efforts involve advanced robotic technology.
- Authorities deploy National Disaster Response Force.
- Financial resources allocated for rescue operations.
Hyderabad, March 9 (NationPress) The operation, which has extended over 15 days, aims to locate eight individuals missing within the partially collapsed SLBC tunnel located in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana. On Sunday, there was progress as cadaver dogs from Kerala pinpointed a potential area indicating human presence beneath the debris.
The trained dogs highlighted human signs at the D-2 point, situated approximately 100 meters from the accident site, within the concluding segment of the 14-km-long tunnel.
Rescue teams were diligently excavating silt at this identified location, with hopes of locating some of the missing individuals by evening.
Reports indicate that on Saturday night, human remains were discovered six feet beneath the rubble, prompting rescue workers to carry out digging operations at the site to recover the body.
Two specialized dogs, trained in locating missing humans and human remains, were airlifted from Kerala via a special helicopter three days prior.
Officials noted that these dogs, belonging to the Belgian Malinois breed, possess the capability to detect scents from a depth of up to 15 feet.
Since February 22, eight individuals have been trapped within the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project tunnel after a portion of the roof collapsed during excavation work.
The trapped individuals include four laborers, two engineers, and two machine operators from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Efforts to locate them have involved the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, the Navy, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and various other agencies.
On Saturday, authorities deployed robots to aid in the rescue operations, a recommendation made by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy during his visit to the tunnel on March 2.
Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced the use of robotic technology to enhance rescue efforts.
Robots equipped with cameras, infrared sensors, and robotic arms have been sent to evaluate conditions and assist in the extraction process.
The Minister, after reviewing the situation with top officials from the rescue agencies, mentioned that teams have progressed up to 13.95 km, but the final 50 meters remain precarious due to oxygen depletion, water seepage, and metal debris from a collapsed Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).
Dewatering and desilting operations are ongoing within the tunnel. The government has sought guidance from international tunnel experts and has deployed 525 personnel, ensuring there are no financial limitations, with Rs 4 crore allocated for robotic systems, the Minister confirmed.
Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed gratitude for the unwavering efforts of all involved and promised full support to the families of the trapped workers. He committed to returning in two to three days to evaluate progress, affirming that rescue operations will continue until all workers are safely recovered.
