WorldEnvironment
Rescue expert sees cautious optimism for workers feared trapped after Nepal glacial flood
A glacial collapse and flash flood in Nepal near the Chinese border has reportedly killed 1,252 people and left 4,875 missing. A tunnelling expert who helped plan India's Silkyara rescue operation said there is reason for cautious optimism for workers feared trapped inside affected tunnels.
A glacial collapse and flash flood near Nepal's border with China has reportedly claimed 1,252 lives and left 4,875 people missing, according to reported figures. Rescue teams are continuing operations despite unstable terrain, heavy debris and difficult weather conditions.
Retired Colonel Deepak Patil, a former Corps of Engineers officer from the Madras Sappers who helped plan the Silkyara tunnel rescue operation in India, said there was “reason for cautious optimism” over workers feared trapped inside affected tunnels. He said debris entering a tunnel during a glacial flood could choke its portal without necessarily penetrating deep inside the structure.
Patil suggested that alternative access could be created from the surface or from other points along the tunnel alignment. Depending on geological conditions, he said, oil-rig equipment could also be used to drill a vertical rescue shaft.
- rescue operation
- Silkyara
From
WorldEnvironment
Rescue expert sees cautious optimism for workers feared trapped after Nepal glacial flood
A glacial collapse and flash flood in Nepal near the Chinese border has reportedly killed 1,252 people and left 4,875 missing. A tunnelling expert who helped plan India's Silkyara rescue operation said there is reason for cautious optimism for workers feared trapped inside affected tunnels.
A glacial collapse and flash flood near Nepal's border with China has reportedly claimed 1,252 lives and left 4,875 people missing, according to reported figures. Rescue teams are continuing operations despite unstable terrain, heavy debris and difficult weather conditions.
Retired Colonel Deepak Patil, a former Corps of Engineers officer from the Madras Sappers who helped plan the Silkyara tunnel rescue operation in India, said there was “reason for cautious optimism” over workers feared trapped inside affected tunnels. He said debris entering a tunnel during a glacial flood could choke its portal without necessarily penetrating deep inside the structure.
Patil suggested that alternative access could be created from the surface or from other points along the tunnel alignment. Depending on geological conditions, he said, oil-rig equipment could also be used to drill a vertical rescue shaft.
- rescue operation
- Silkyara
From