7 killed, 3 trapped as floodwaters surge into Uttarakhand tunnel

At least seven workers have been killed and three others remain trapped after a powerful surge of water and debris flooded an under-construction tunnel at a hydropower project in India’s Uttarakhand state, reports NDTV.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening (August 13) in the Piplakoti area of Chamoli district, where several workers were reportedly swept toward the tunnel entrance by the sudden flow. Eighteen workers have so far been rescued alive, while several others sustained injuries.

Rescue teams from India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are working to clear the debris and reach those still trapped inside the tunnel.

Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said a large volume of water and earth suddenly rushed into the tunnel at around 6:30pm, catching the workers off guard. While many were carried towards the exit, several others became trapped deeper inside the tunnel.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to intensify rescue and relief operations.

He said the situation was being monitored continuously and all necessary assistance was being provided to ensure the safe rescue of the trapped workers.

The incident comes amid several days of heavy rainfall in Chamoli district. On Monday, strong currents swept away a metal bridge in the Niti Valley area, underscoring the worsening weather conditions in the mountainous region.