Rescue Mission in Telangana Utilizes Cadaver Dogs and Robotics
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Synopsis
The ongoing rescue operation in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district is utilizing cadaver dogs from Kerala and a robotic team to locate eight missing persons trapped in a tunnel collapse. The efforts are being coordinated by local officials and various rescue teams.
Key Takeaways
- Deployment of cadaver dogs from Kerala.
- Robotic experts assisting in rescue operations.
- Efforts coordinated by Disaster Management Secretary.
- Rescue teams using water jets and conveyor systems.
- Eight workers remain trapped in the collapsed tunnel.
Hyderabad, March 7 (NationPress) The rescue mission in the partially-collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) located in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district was actively ongoing on its 14th day on Friday, featuring the deployment of 'cadaver' dogs from Kerala and a specialized robotic team aimed at locating eight missing individuals.
The cadaver dogs from Kerala, accompanied by their handlers, were tasked with finding eight individuals who became trapped on February 22 due to a roof collapse within the tunnel.
These exceptionally trained dogs, recognized for their ability to locate human remains under difficult circumstances, are anticipated to be crucial in the operation.
On Thursday, two cadaver dogs and their handlers were transported via an Army helicopter.
Officials from the specialized dog unit convened with Nagarkurnool district Collector Badavath Santosh and representatives from the Disaster Management Authority to conduct an initial evaluation of the tunnel environment prior to their deployment.
A four-member team of robotic experts from ANVI Robotics entered the tunnel to assist with rescue efforts. A professor from IIT Madras joined them to offer technical support.
The robotic specialists, who assessed the tunnel’s surroundings on Thursday, re-entered the tunnel on Friday for a more detailed evaluation. The Hyderabad team is leveraging robotic technology to scrutinize conditions inside.
During a visit to the tunnel on Sunday, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy urged officials to investigate the potential use of robotics in the operation.
According to officials, Disaster Management Secretary Arvind Kumar is overseeing the operations, ensuring ongoing communication through mobile updates to the ground teams. Upon learning about battery problems and the need for a rock cutter, Arvind Kumar coordinated the delivery of necessary equipment into the tunnel via a locomotive.
The rescue teams are employing water jets to remove debris and slush from the site. Teams from the Army, Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Singareni Collieries, HYDRAA, and local miners are persistently working to clear the area.
Approximately 150 meters of rock and soil collapsed while about 50 workers were engaged in excavation using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) around 14 km inside the tunnel. While many workers escaped, eight individuals remain trapped. The situation has been further complicated by water seepage and debris, hindering rescue efforts.
Rescue teams are dismantling the TBM piece by piece in their effort to reach those trapped. Arvind Kumar stated that the conveyor belt system is now operational, and once debris removal through it begins, rescue efforts will gain momentum.
