Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue: Workers’ dramatic 12-day ordeal nears end

In a race against time, the final phase of the rescue operation is underway to free 41 workers trapped for 12 days in an Uttarakhand tunnel. As of midnight, a mere 10 meters of debris separates them from freedom. The intricate operation involves drilling through debris, using an auger machine that faced a setback when it hit a metal obstruction. A metal cutter was swiftly employed to overcome this obstacle, ensuring the operation’s continuity.

The meticulous process includes pushing wide pipes through the debris, forming a crucial escape route for the trapped workers. Welders flown in from Delhi are poised to assemble the final stretch of the pipe once drilling concludes. The temperature difference between the tunnel and the outside, along with the psychological impact of prolonged confinement, are factors being considered in the rescue efforts.

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However, the challenges extend beyond extraction; the workers, having received limited meals during their ordeal, require thorough medical attention. Upon reaching the surface through the rescue pipe, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) doctor will assess their condition. The workers will then navigate the pipes, under close NDRF supervision, towards 41 standby ambulances outside the tunnel, ready to transport them to a makeshift hospital in Chinyalisour for comprehensive medical examinations.

The tunnel, a key component of the Char Dham project, is situated between Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarakhand. The 4.5 km tunnel, linking Uttarkashi and Yamunotri, faced a setback on November 12 due to a landslide, leaving workers trapped in an 8.5 meters high and 2 km long section. The region’s challenging topography and soil nature have impeded rescue progress, making it difficult for teams to provide a precise timeline for completion.

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Despite these hurdles, rescue officers remain cautiously optimistic, stating that successful operations in the next couple of hours are plausible if conditions remain favorable. The collective efforts of rescue teams, coupled with the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles, highlight the resilience in the face of adversity during this critical rescue mission.