At least eight people have died, while 19 others are feared trapped after landslides struck an under-construction tunnel at the Teesta Stage VI hydroelectric project in Samardung, located in Sikkim's Namchi district. Heavy rainfall triggered the landslides, making rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Rescue teams have been working continuously despite poor weather and dangerous conditions inside the tunnel.
Eight Bodies Recovered as Rescue Teams Continue Search
Police confirmed that rescue workers recovered eight bodies after an overnight operation. “We have recovered eight bodies and 19 persons are still feared to have been trapped inside the tunnel. Rescue operations continued throughout the [Monday] night, and the bodies could be recovered only in the early hours [of Tuesday]. As it is still raining, the rescue operations are being hampered," said police superintendent Sonam Doma Bhutia.
He added that rescue teams made three earlier attempts to reach the trapped workers. However, bad weather and difficult terrain forced them to abandon those efforts.
Rescue Operations Continue Despite Heavy Rain
Multiple agencies have joined the rescue mission. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay said teams from the district administration, Sikkim Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other specialised agencies are working together at the accident site.
The chief minister said he is closely monitoring the operation as rescue teams continue searching for the trapped workers.
According to officials familiar with the operation, the workers remain trapped nearly three kilometres inside the tunnel. Continuous rainfall and unstable ground have slowed rescue efforts.
Authorities Unsure About Condition of Trapped Workers
District Collector Anupa Tamling said authorities still do not know the condition of the workers trapped inside the tunnel. "Three back-to-back rescue attempts have failed."
She said 19 workers from private contractor Patel Engineering Ltd and six workers from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) were present at the site when the landslide occurred.
Tamling also revealed that three workers initially entered the tunnel to rescue those trapped. However, only one returned safely, while the other two also became trapped inside. The affected tunnel is part of NHPC's Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Power Project.
Confusion Over Number of Workers Rescued
Earlier on Monday, the Sikkim government announced that all 16 trapped workers had been rescued. Later, officials clarified that the announcement resulted from miscommunication between government departments.
Authorities later confirmed that at least 27 workers had been inside the under-construction tunnel when the landslide struck. Officials said 16 workers managed to escape safely, while the remaining workers remained trapped inside the tunnel.
Chief Minister Expresses Grief
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident at the under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung, Jholungey, in Namchi District. My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the workers who have lost their lives,” he wrote.
He also assured that the government is closely monitoring the rescue operation.
“I am closely monitoring the ongoing rescue operations. Teams from the District Administration, SSDMA, Sikkim Police, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, Pakyong and Siliguri NDRF, and other specialized agencies are working tirelessly to evacuate the bodies of the remaining workers trapped inside the tunnel,” Golay wrote in Facebook.
Landslide Hits NHPC Hydroelectric Project
Officials said the affected tunnel is part of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation's (NHPC) Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Power Project.
According to District Collector Anupa Tamling, reports received by the district administration showed that 19 workers from Patel Engineering Ltd and six NHPC workers were present at the construction site when the landslide struck.
Authorities continue the rescue mission as heavy rain and unstable conditions pose major challenges. Rescue teams remain hopeful of reaching the workers still trapped deep inside the tunnel.