Six Workers Feared Trapped After Uttarakhand Tunnel Inundation

Six workers are feared trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Pipalkoti, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, following an inundation event on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The incident occurred when water and debris entered the tunnel, which is part of a Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) project. Preliminary reports indicate that 22 workers were inside at the time.

What Happened

The event was reported around 7:05 p.m. Sixteen workers were successfully rescued from the site. Rescue operations commenced immediately after the incident was reported, involving a coordinated effort from various agencies. Teams from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were dispatched. Local district-level rescue teams, police, and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel also joined the efforts to locate and evacuate the remaining trapped individuals.

Why It Matters

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed his concern and directed officials to expedite the rescue operation. The government has prioritized the safe evacuation of all workers still inside the tunnel. The district has experienced significant rainfall in the preceding days, contributing to the rising water levels and potentially the debris flow into the tunnel.

Background

Chamoli district has faced adverse weather conditions recently. On Monday, August 10, 2026, a bridge in the Niti Valley region was washed away due to high river water levels and a strong current. Images from that incident showed a large volume of muddy water dislodging the metal bridge and pushing it towards the riverbank.

Key Facts

• Six workers are feared trapped in an under-construction tunnel in Pipalkoti, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand.
• The incident occurred on Thursday, August 13, 2026, around 7:05 p.m.
• Water and debris entered the tunnel, which is part of a THDC project.
• A total of 22 workers were believed to be inside the tunnel when the incident happened.
• Sixteen workers have been rescued so far.
• Multiple agencies, including the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF, are engaged in rescue operations.
• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to conduct the rescue on a war footing.
• Chamoli district has experienced heavy rainfall in the days leading up to the incident.
• A bridge in the Niti Valley region was swept away on August 10, 2026, due to rising water levels.