In Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, 40 workers are trapped for over 70 hours after a tunnel collapse. Hindered by debris and machinery, rescue efforts involve Delhi Metro and Indian Railways. Two rescue workers were injured as rubble fell during operations. Three aircraft carrying 25-ton machines aim to expedite the mission. Health concerns are addressed with constant communication, oxygen, and supplies. Protests erupted over delays, highlighting the urgency in extracting the trapped laborers. Collaboration with specialists and the Indian Air Force is underway.
#UttarkashiRescue #TunnelCollapse #EmergencyResponse #WorkersSafety #DelhiMetroAid #IndianRailwaysSupport #TrappedWorkers
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#UttarkashiRescue #TunnelCollapse #EmergencyResponse #WorkersSafety #DelhiMetroAid #IndianRailwaysSupport #TrappedWorkers
~HT.178~ED.103~GR.124~
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NewsTranscript
00:00 As the clock ticks past 70 hours since the collapse of the under construction tunnel
00:06 in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, the dire situation persists with 40 workers still trapped under
00:11 the debris.
00:12 The tunnel caved in following a landslide marking the beginning of a relentless rescue
00:17 effort.
00:18 Efforts have been intensified with assistance sought from Delhi Metro and Indian Railways
00:22 to bolster the rescue mission.
00:24 Unfortunately, on Tuesday, a setback occurred as rubble from a landslide fell onto the collapsed
00:28 section, causing injuries to two rescue workers.
00:32 The current status reveals that debris spanning over 50 metres lies ahead of the trapped workers
00:37 and this section is described as extremely weak.
00:41 The area is cluttered with JCB machines, power generators, construction materials and other
00:46 equipment hindering access to the trapped workers.
00:50 Specialists from Delhi Metro and Indian Railways are actively involved, providing crucial assistance
00:55 and suggestions for the swift extraction of the stranded workers.
00:58 "We have been trying to extract the stranded workers from the tunnel for the past three
01:05 days.
01:06 We are trying to extract them one by one.
01:09 As I briefed you earlier, the nature of the rock here is very fragile.
01:13 The more we try, the more we get out.
01:16 But we are trying to use all possible techniques.
01:19 The latest machine we have ordered has been airlifted from Delhi.
01:23 It will land at the airport in Chinyalisur any time in another one hour.
01:30 We have taken three aircraft.
01:32 The Indian Air Force has helped us with all that.
01:36 They are coming here.
01:38 As soon as they arrive, we are already working on it.
01:42 We are trying to get inside with the MS-5, which is a 800mm diameter.
01:48 But there are some obstacles, so we have ordered the latest machine.
01:52 It will be here in another hour or so.
01:54 I think we will be able to install the machine in three to four hours and start working."
01:59 To expedite the rescue, three special aircraft carrying 25-ton machines are expected to arrive
02:04 by Wednesday evening.
02:06 These machines are crucial for breaking through the debris and facilitating the transport of
02:11 a steel pipe to the other side.
02:13 Rescue teams aim to insert an 800mm steel pipe along the debris for 50 metres, creating
02:20 gases for the trapped labourers.
02:23 "The rescue operation that is going on here is a major part of the Indian government's
02:30 tunneling scheme.
02:31 It is being monitored by the Indian government and the state government as well.
02:37 The update is that a high-capacity drilling machine is needed here.
02:42 The air force aircraft will be able to install the machines here.
02:47 The green corridor has been arranged to transport the machines here as soon as possible.
02:54 The rescue operation is being carried out here.
02:58 It will be a great help to the rescue team."
03:09 Despite setbacks, health concerns have been addressed with the tunnel's length of approximately
03:14 2km, minimising the risk of claustrophobia.
03:18 The trapped workers are supplied with oxygen, food, water and medicines.
03:22 Authorities maintain constant communication with the workers through wireless radios.
03:27 Amid the ongoing crisis, protests erupted outside the tunnel with workers, family members
03:32 and others expressing frustration over the delay in the rescue operation.
03:40 The absence of an alternative plan compounded the distress as machines deployed for drilling
03:44 proved ineffective.
03:46 The situation remains critical and the collaborative efforts of various agencies are pivotal to
03:52 ensure the safe and swift rescue of the trapped workers.
03:56 [Music]