KATHMANDU, Nov 13: A landslide in an under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarakhand, India, has trapped over 36 laborers. Rescue efforts are currently underway.
The tunnel, intended to connect Silkayara and Dandalgaon in Uttarkashi district, collapsed on Monday morning, leading to the workers being trapped inside. While Indian media reports that the workers are safe, efforts are being made to supply oxygen within the tunnel.
15 workers trapped in Rasuwagadhi Hydro tunnel
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami has confirmed ongoing efforts to rescue the workers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed concern about the rescue, contacting Chief Minister Dhami.
Officials have noted that only one of the trapped workers is from Uttarakhand, while the others hail from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Himachal Pradesh.
Rescue teams, both central and state, have been mobilized to clear the landslides blocking the tunnel and to evacuate the trapped workers using bulldozers.
