World News for Students of English

20-11-2023 07:00

40 construction workers are trapped in a collapsed tunnel in India’s Uttarakhand state, raising concerns as rescue operations face challenges from fresh debris and machinery faults.

The collapse occurred after a landslide, leaving the laborers stuck 200 meters inside. Despite efforts involving heavy machinery and over 200 rescue officials, only 20 meters of rubble have been cleared, with 30 more meters to go. Rescue plans include drilling a shaft, but setbacks persist due to falling boulders and machinery issues. Oxygen and food are being provided through pipes, and while there’s enough oxygen for five to six days, workers are reporting symptoms like dizziness and fever.

The tunnel was part of a controversial 1.5 billion-dollar road project led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticized for environmental damage in the Himalayan region.

Difficult words: shaft (a long, narrow hole that gives access to a mine), setback (something that causes delay or stops progress), boulder (a large rock).

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