Guwahati: Rescue teams have so far recovered the bodies of 22 people from the tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Sikkim, while search operations continue to locate those still missing.
The multi-agency rescue operation continued late into the night under extremely challenging conditions inside the tunnel. Officials said rescue personnel worked tirelessly until midnight despite the difficult underground environment.
At around 10 pm, a second rescue team from Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Asansol, arrived at the site and was immediately pressed into service to strengthen the ongoing operation. The newly deployed team joined other specialised rescue units already engaged in the search and recovery efforts.
Authorities said the operation is being carried out in close coordination among various agencies using specialised equipment and technical expertise required for rescue work in confined underground spaces.
The Sikkim government, district administration, and other concerned departments are closely supervising the operation while ensuring all necessary logistical and technical support is provided to the rescue teams. Officials added that assistance is also being extended to the families of those affected by the incident.
Search and recovery efforts will continue until all the remaining victims are traced and brought out of the tunnel, officials said.