Cadaver dogs flown in from Kerala aid search efforts inside collapsed SLBC tunnel
Nagarkurnool, March 7: In a major boost to ongoing rescue efforts, Kerala Police's specially-trained cadaver dogs joined operations on Friday to trace eight individuals trapped inside the partially collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana. These individuals, including engineers and labourers, have been trapped since February 22.
The rescue operation intensified Friday morning as a team comprising Belgian Malinois cadaver dogs and their handlers entered the tunnel to identify human presence. According to official sources, these highly skilled dogs possess the remarkable ability to detect human scent even from depths of up to 15 feet.
On Thursday, immediately after the dogs arrived by air from Kerala, rescue officials entered the tunnel to carefully map out areas where the dogs' exceptional sensory capabilities could best be utilized.
A total of 110 rescue personnel, including teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), accompanied the cadaver dogs inside the tunnel. Equipped with essential digging machinery and advanced rescue equipment, these teams remain committed to reaching the trapped workers swiftly and safely.
The Kerala government dispatched the cadaver dogs following a formal request from the State Disaster Management Authority, which itself was approached by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for specialized assistance.
Previously, rescue teams employed sniffer dogs from the NDRF to pinpoint specific zones within the collapsed structure, enabling targeted excavation efforts.
Despite persistent efforts from experts belonging to multiple agencies—including the NDRF, Indian Army, and Navy—the rescue mission continues under challenging conditions marked by water seepage, slush, and unstable terrain within the tunnel.
As rescue operations progress, authorities remain hopeful that the cadaver dogs’ inclusion will accelerate the search process and ultimately lead to the safe retrieval of those trapped.
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