THDC Tunnel Rescue Operation Continues in Chamoli; One More Worker Rescued, Search for Two Missing Intensified
Chamoli, August 15, 2026: The rescue operation at the under-construction THDC tunnel at Mayapur near Pipalkoti in Chamoli district continued on Friday, with rescue teams successfully bringing out one more worker from the tunnel and sending him to the District Hospital in Gopeshwar for medical attention.
The accident occurred on August 13 at the under-construction THDC tunnel, where several workers were trapped after water and debris entered the tunnel. Since then, a coordinated rescue operation has been underway to locate and evacuate the workers who remained trapped or missing.
Search for Two Missing Workers Continues
With one more worker rescued, two workers are still missing inside the tunnel. Rescue teams are conducting an intensive search operation at multiple possible locations inside the tunnel. The teams are working continuously to reach areas where the missing workers may be located.
Water accumulated inside the tunnel is also being removed on a priority basis. Suction pumps and other specialized equipment are being deployed to accelerate dewatering and improve movement for rescue personnel inside the tunnel.
The removal of water is considered crucial for enabling rescue teams to safely advance into the affected sections and search areas that may otherwise remain inaccessible.
Multi-Agency Rescue Operation Underway
Teams from the district administration, police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other concerned departments are working together in close coordination.
Officials are continuously monitoring the rescue operation and ensuring that the required machinery, pumps, equipment and other resources are made available at the site without delay.
The administration has directed that the search for the two missing workers remain the highest priority. Rescue teams are carrying out intensive searches at every possible location and are making every effort to establish contact with and safely evacuate the missing workers.
Rescue Operation Being Conducted on War Footing
The rescue operation has been intensified, with teams working round the clock under challenging conditions. Authorities are maintaining close coordination among all agencies involved so that the operation can proceed as quickly and safely as possible.
Officials said every possible resource is being utilized to locate the remaining two workers, while efforts to drain water from the tunnel and create safer access for rescue teams continue simultaneously.
The administration reiterated that the safe rescue of the remaining missing workers remains the top priority, and all possible measures are being taken to bring the operation to a successful conclusion.
