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India
In a swift response to the tunnel collapse near the Srisailam Dam, the Engineer Task Force (ETF) of the Indian Army has been mobilized to assist in the ongoing rescue operations. The collapse occurred early this morning when a three-meter section of the roof of an under-construction stretch of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel caved in at the 14th km mark near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana.
The incident took place just four days after construction work had resumed following a long hiatus. At the time of the collapse, approximately 50 workers were engaged in tunnel work. While some managed to escape, eight labourers are feared to be trapped inside. Emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were immediately deployed to the site.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, an Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army, part of the Infantry Division at Secunderabad, was placed on standby to support rescue efforts. The ETF, renowned for its expertise in disaster response and engineering solutions, has deployed specialist engineering teams equipped with an Excavator Dozer, a medical detachment from the Army Medical Corps, and three high-capacity pumping sets with armoured hoses to aid the operation. An ambulance has also been dispatched to provide immediate medical assistance.
PM Modi’s Support
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and assured the affected families that the state government will provide all necessary support. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Reddy to assess the situation and offered additional assistance from the Centre, including further deployment of NDRF teams if required.
Senior state officials, including Ministers N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Jupally Krishna Rao, along with the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and senior irrigation officials, are overseeing the rescue operations on-site. Authorities are working tirelessly against time to safely evacuate the trapped workers and prevent further casualties.
With the Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force now actively engaged, rescue efforts have gained momentum. The Army’s expertise in handling complex rescue situations is expected to play a critical role in ensuring the safe evacuation of the trapped workers and stabilizing the tunnel collapse site. Operations remain ongoing as officials remain hopeful of a successful rescue.
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