Rescue Efforts Face Challenges in Hyderabad Tunnel Collapse
Rescue teams are working hard to save people trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Hyderabad. They are facing many difficulties, such as knee-deep water, large amounts of debris, and unstable rock formations. Water is also seeping into the tunnel, making the operation even more complicated. The biggest challenge is the final 200 meters of the collapsed section, which is completely blocked by debris. This is preventing the rescue teams from moving beyond the tunnel-boring machine.
The rock formation above the accident site is about 400 meters thick. Because of this, digging from above is almost impossible. Instead, authorities have decided that the safest way to proceed is by carefully removing the collapsed soil and rocks, but only after fully assessing the situation.
The tunnel was built using strong interlocking cement concrete rings, which usually make it very stable. However, the collapse happened near the tunnel-boring machine, where the rock surface was still exposed. Experts from a company called Robbins, who have experience in handling such incidents, are using different materials to seal leaks and stabilize the structure. Despite the difficulties, there is hope that the rescue operation will be successful.
Relief teams from both the Central and state governments have been sent to the accident site. Around 10 p.m. on Saturday, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and fire services entered the tunnel using a special vehicle to check the situation.
An NDRF official stated that the rescue teams must first clear the 200-meter stretch filled with debris before they can determine how to save the trapped workers. The tunnel, which is 11-13 km long, also has a lot of water, and efforts are being made to drain it. Around 200 personnel from the NDRF, Army, Navy, SDRF, and other agencies are working tirelessly to reach the trapped individuals. Meanwhile, the local administration is providing all necessary support to assist in the rescue efforts.
