Tragic Landslide in Sikkim: Rescue Operations Ongoing After Tunnel Collapse
Rescue Efforts Continue in Sikkim
Multiple agencies carrying out rescue operations after about 25 workers were trapped inside an under-construction tunnel after a landslide in Sikkim. (Photo: PTI)
Gangtok, July 21: Rescue operations are still in progress at a tunnel under construction in the Namchi district of Sikkim, where a landslide has blocked the entrance. Authorities have confirmed that ten individuals, including a worker from Assam, have lost their lives in this tragic event.
As of 9:30 AM on Tuesday, ten bodies have been recovered. Seven of these victims have been identified, while three remain unidentified and have been transported to District Hospital Singtam and STNM Hospital, according to a statement from Namchi Police.
Among the identified victims, one is from Assam, four are from Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, and one each is from Punjab and Dehradun in Uttarakhand. Additionally, one deceased individual was a local resident of Namchi, the statement noted.
Officials have warned that the death toll may increase as search and rescue operations continue. It remains unclear whether the deceased were among the trapped workers, previously rescued individuals, or rescue personnel. More information is awaited.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang reported that the tunnel, part of NHPC's Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project located in the Jholungey area of Namchi district, collapsed following a landslide on Monday.
In a social media update, Tamang mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to him to inquire about the situation and the ongoing rescue efforts following the unfortunate incident at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project.
The collapse has also led to a suspected gas leak within the tunnel, complicating rescue operations and making access to the affected area challenging.
Authorities have indicated that hazardous gases and unstable conditions inside the tunnel pose significant challenges for rescue teams.
Reports suggest that several personnel involved in the rescue experienced dizziness and briefly lost consciousness while trying to enter the affected area.
Officials suspect that the gas may have originated from underground rock layers disturbed by the landslide, although the exact nature and source of the gas are still under investigation.
Multiple agencies, including Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, district administration, and other emergency response units, are conducting the rescue operations, with support from teams from neighboring West Bengal.
A thorough investigation into the incident is anticipated once the site is deemed safe, and construction activities at the project are expected to be halted pending a complete safety evaluation.
The Samardung tunnel is a crucial component of NHPC's Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project, which is one of the significant hydropower initiatives in Sikkim.
The recent fatalities occurred just a day after a successful multi-agency operation managed to rescue 16 workers trapped inside the tunnel.