Rescue Operations Continue in SLBC Tunnel; ‘Rat Miners’ Join Efforts

Rescue operations are ongoing in the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel. This afternoon, rescue personnel entered the tunnel equipped with drones, endoscopic cameras, and walkie-talkies to enhance communication. However, approximately 200 meters of the tunnel is blocked with mud and stagnant water, making it difficult for teams to proceed further. Efforts are underway to clear the debris and extract the trapped mud and water.

A team of experts from IIT Madras, known for their role in rescuing 34 people in a similar tunnel accident in Uttarakhand in 2023, has joined the operation. They are employing advanced technology, including Aqua Eye and Flexi Probe devices, to aid in the rescue mission. Additionally, a naval team from Visakhapatnam has been deployed to assist in the efforts.

Meanwhile, specialists who successfully rescued 41 people from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi have arrived at the SLBC site. This team consists of 12 members, commonly referred to as ‘Rat Miners’ due to their expertise in navigating confined underground spaces. Six of them have already reached SLBC, while the remaining six are traveling from Delhi.

One of the ‘Rat Miners,’ Khureshi, stated that they were called in by the Nagar Kurnool District Collector. He mentioned that they are still gathering complete details about the SLBC tunnel incident and have been instructed to coordinate with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Rescue operations are being carried out with the combined efforts of multiple agencies.