Uttarkashi tunnel news: NDRF ‘hopes to evacuate workers by evening’; CM Dhami inspects site. Top 10 points

livemint.com:

rescue operation to evacuate 40 workers trapped inside the tunnel is underway. 1. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other teams engaged in the rescue operation at the site hopes to evacuate the 40 workers trapped by today evening.

2. Karamveer Singh, NDRF Assistant Commander said that plaster had been done for 200 meters from the starting point of the tunnel but there was no plaster beyond that, which became the main reason for this collapse. “Since yesterday, 10-15 meters more excavation has been done.

People trapped inside have been given food and water. By this evening, we will make every effort to ensure that all these people come out safely," he told ANI. 3. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspects the site of the Uttarkashi Tunnel accident.

"...The rescue operation and removal of debris are going on speedily... Food material has been sent inside... We are talking with experts...

An investigation is going on... Our priority is that everyone is rescued safely…," he said. 4.

Anshu Manish Khalko, Director, NHIDCL (National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited), told ANI that the situation is better now. "The workers are safe... We are providing food and water...There are nearly 40 people inside...We are trying our best..," he said.

5. To clear the debris, large excavator machines are being brought in. Through walkie-talkies, workers who are stranded in the tunnel have been notified.

6. A state disaster response official, Durgesh Rathodi told news agency AFP, “About 40 to 41 workers are trapped inside. Oxygen is being supplied through the debris, but more rubble is coming down as rescuers try to remove the obstruction." 7.