Telangana Tunnel Rescue Becomes Difficult As 3,200 Litres Of Water Enter Per Minute, Creating Mud And Slush, Endangering Workers

The mission to save eight workers stuck in a Telangana tunnel has unfortunately escalated in severity. This comes after an increase of one metre in the wall of slush that poses a risk of burying them underground. This information was reported by NDTV on Monday (24 February) evening, more than 48 hours following the tunnel's collapse.

As per the report, rescue efforts might need to be decelerated due to concerns raised by experts about the stability of the collapsed section. It is speculated that additional excavation could potentially increase the risk to the trapped workers and also jeopardise the safety of the rescue team.

Up until now, five groups have entered the tunnel; the most recent team, composed of geologists and drone specialists, departed at 3.30 pm and they are anticipated to come back later in the evening.

However, it's the response from the fourth team that has raised concerns.

An official from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) informed NDTV that there has been an increase in the amount of slush, which could potentially be attributed to another leakage.

Emergency response teams estimate that a colossal 3,200 litres of water are inundating the tunnel each minute. This water is combined with the substantial amounts of sand, rock, and debris present, resulting in the creation of additional mud and slush.

The official stated that the rise in slush might also be a result of a slow accumulation. Regardless of the scenario, NDTV reported that the current situation is extremely perilous.

Meanwhile, Army, NDRF, SDRF, Singareni Collieries, NHIDCL and the experts who handled the Silkyara tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand last year have combined rescue efforts.