Health deteriorates for trapped workers in Uttarakhand tunnel collapse, families desperate for updates

As the rescue operation continues for the 41 laborers trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel on the Char Dham route in Uttarakhand for a week now, the health conditions of the men within are deteriorating, according to their families waiting anxiously outside. The families reported that the voices of their trapped relatives are growing weaker, and their strength appears to be diminishing. The situation has intensified the desperation of the families, compounded by the suspension of rescue operations since Friday.

The halt came after a US-made auger machine, employed to drill and insert pipes through the rubble to create an escape passage, encountered a snag, heightening anxiety among those awaiting the safe rescue of their loved ones.Families, like that of Haridwar Sharma, whose brother Sushil is inside the tunnel, express frustration over the lack of progress in the rescue efforts. Sharma emphasized that assurances from authorities are not enough, and there is a growing sense of impatience among those waiting.

Gabbar Singh Negi's family, including his brothers and son, has been camped outside, anxiously awaiting any news. Communication through an oxygen supply pipe revealed Gabbar's weakening voice, raising concerns about the well-being of those trapped. As a high-performance drilling machine is airlifted to the site, officials aim to resume rescue operations after a setback on Friday when a big cracking sound halted the positioning of a fifth pipe, prompting the suspension of activities due to safety concerns.