Telangana tunnel collapse: Kerala cadaver dogs join search for trapped workers

Hyderabad: Two cadaver dogs from the Kerala Police, along with their handlers, have been deployed to assist in the rescue operations at the collapsed SLBC tunnel in Telangana. The decision to send the specialized dogs was made after a request from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, according to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office.  

The rescue mission at the partially collapsed tunnel has been ongoing for 12 days, with eight people still trapped inside. A team from a robotics company entered the tunnel on Wednesday as authorities explored the use of robotic technology to aid the operation.  

Scientists from the National Centre of Seismology, Delhi, have also joined the efforts, conducting seismic studies inside the tunnel to assist rescue teams. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who visited the site on March 2, suggested using robots if necessary to avoid risks to rescue personnel.  

The rescue teams, working at a brisk pace, are excavating areas identified by scientists to detect human presence. Experts from the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad, have used Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology to locate possible survivors. However, challenging conditions inside the tunnel, including accumulated muck and water, continue to hinder progress.  

Earlier inspections at certain locations did not reveal any confirmed signs of human presence, but the search and drilling operations continue.