Drilling continues on day 5 of Uttarkashi tunnel rescue; 21 metres covered so far

Drilling continues on day 5 of Uttarkashi tunnel rescue; 21 metres covered so far

The rescue operations to create an escape passage for labourers stuck inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand entered day five on Friday. The drilling to insert 800 mm and 900 mm diameter pipes one after the other with the help of a giant drill machine continued overnight, said officials.

So far, the powerful American auger machine has managed to drill up to 21 metres through the rubble. As of Thursday evening, a six-metre section of a steel pipe has been inserted into the bored passage and work to welde in the remaining pipes continues. 

"Drilling has been done up to 21 metres so far," the state emergency operation centre's control room in Silkyara said. The stretch where debris is accumulated begins 270 metres from the mouth of the tunnel at the Silkyara side. 

Authorities said the trapped workers are safe and being supplied with oxygen, medicines, food and water through pipes. Constant communication is being maintained with them to keep up their morale, he said. Experts from Norway and Thailand were consulted about the rescue operations, considering the geography of the tunnel.

Read More Trump imposes 35% tariff on Canadian imports from August 1: 'Instead of working with US...'

Meanwhile, doctors have expressed concern about the mental and physical stress the incident could put on the trapped workers. They believe survivors would need physical and mental rehabilitation.

Read More Bullet train project update: Japan agrees to provide E10 Shinkansen trains on Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor

"The victims might experience panic attacks because of being trapped in closed spaces for long," said Dr Ajay Agarwal, director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Noida. "Further, the ambient conditions such as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels too could impact their physical health and prolonged exposure to cold underground temperatures could possibly cause hypothermia and make them fall unconscious," Agarwal told PTI.

Read More Air India crash: International media highlights fuel switch anomaly revealed by AAIB report

Agarwal said the situation might worsen for the workers who have chronic health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease, even as the regular supply of food and water might sustain them physically and prevent dehydration.

However, the food and water supply, along with physically supporting the trapped victims, is likely to provide them with a psychological boost and send a message that "help is not far", the doctor said. "This could reduce anxiety levels and decrease the chances of ketosis," he added.

Tags:

About The Author

Aryan Age Picture

Welcome to Aryan Age, an English newspaper that has been serving readers since 2011 from Delhi. With a loyal circulation of over 19,000, we are dedicated to providing our readers with the latest news and information, as well as insightful analysis and commentary that help them navigate the complex and rapidly changing world.

Post Comment

Comment List

Latest News

Madhya Pradesh Wins Silver Medal for ‘One District–One Product’ Scheme Madhya Pradesh Wins Silver Medal for ‘One District–One Product’ Scheme
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, products from Madhya Pradesh are making their marks in Global markets...
Drug Addiction Not Only Affects Health But Also Tears Apart The Social Fabric: CM Dr. Yadav
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav Congratulates Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

Live Cricket Score

Advertisement

Science & Tech

iPhone 16 Plus gets over Rs 12000 discount in Flipkart GOAT Sale: Limited time deal iPhone 16 Plus gets over Rs 12000 discount in Flipkart GOAT Sale: Limited time deal
New Delhi: If you have been planning to switch to a flagship Apple handset, then here is the right time,...
Mission successful! Shubhanshu Shukla's first picture upon landing on Earth from International Space Station

Health

UN warns 4 million could die from AIDS by 2029 as U.S. cuts HIV funding UN warns 4 million could die from AIDS by 2029 as U.S. cuts HIV funding
New Delhi: A recent UNAIDS report, which was released on Thursday, revealed that the sudden withdrawal of US investment into...
Is it just burnout or something serious? When should you take brain fog seriously, doctor answers

Lifestyle

Memory games to mental math: Try these brain exercises to improve your memory Memory games to mental math: Try these brain exercises to improve your memory
New Delhi: Your brain is one of the most important organs in the body. It controls different functions of the...
Consume these healthy, low-sodium snacks to satisfy your tea-time cravings, know recipe