Chamoli disaster: Efforts underway to rescue over 30 workers trapped in tunnel, informs ITBP

Rescue operations are underway in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district after a glacier broke off on February 07 causing disruption in the district.

After the tireless efforts of Army personnel and Engineering Task Force, mouth of the tunnel was cleared.

More than 300 ITBP personnel deployed at the tunnel site.

Excavators are being used to clear the slush and debris inside the tunnel to open it.

Over 30 people trapped in the tunnel since yesterday.

15 bodies recovered and 16 people rescued so far.

ITBP, Indian Army, SDRF and NDRF forces are engaged in the retrieval.

Speaking on the operation, Dehradun's ITBP DIG, Aparna Kumar said, "The bigger tunnel has been cleared till 70-80 m.

Debris blocked it, it is being cleared with the help of JCB.

It is around 180 m long and around 30-40 workers are trapped since yesterday.

Efforts are underway to rescue them," said DIG Kumar.