Rescue work in Silkyara Tunnel.Image Credit source: PTI
41 laborers are stranded for the last one week due to the collapse of a part of Silkyara Tunnel under construction on Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi. The work of evacuating the trapped laborers is going on. On Monday evening, 9 days after the accident, khichdi, porridge and some fruits were sent to the workers trapped inside the tunnel through a new 6-inch pipeline. Till now only dry foods were being sent to the stranded laborers, but delivering food to them after 9 days is considered a big success for the rescue team.
To keep their lives safe in the tunnel, they are being given multivitamins and dry fruits as well as anti-depression medicines. Two days ago, some workers had reported vomiting, after which some medicines were sent to them. The Uttarakhand government said that anti-depressant pills are being given to 41 construction workers trapped inside the tunnel. A total of 10 ambulances as well as doctors and health workers have been deployed outside the tunnel.
Many medicines including multi vitamins are being given
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Uttarkashi, Dr. RCS Panwar said, “We are also taking care of the nutrition of the workers and are also sending them things like gram, puffed rice. The health official said that due to the suspension of rescue operations, their doctors were not able to talk to the trapped workers for the first day.
A colleague from the tunnel construction company said that this is a very difficult time. People who are trapped inside. The mental condition of him and his family can be estimated. The government should make immediate arrangements for their rescue. They don’t understand what people are waiting for. Dr. BS Pokhriyal, a doctor working at Uttarkashi District Hospital, said that some had complained of mild headache. Along with medicine, they are being supplied with multivitamins.
Risk of post-traumatic stress disorder among workers
Dr. Anindya Das, additional professor of psychiatry at AIIMS Rishikesh, said that the situation of being trapped in the tunnel can be extremely painful and stressful for the workers. They will have a feeling of fear and anxiety. Many people also fear panic attacks. He said conditions like claustrophobia can be severe in some people and once rescued, some workers may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
He says that the workers will need to be psychologically evaluated and counseled. Evaluation is necessary because many of them may not be in a mental state to work in the same environment again.
Also read- 8 days have passed since the tunnel accident, 41 lives have not been rescued yet; Know the complete update of the rescue operation
Source: www.tv9hindi.com”
