Intensified Search for Missing Worker in Thiruvananthapuram Canal

Rescue teams in Thiruvananthapuram continue their efforts to locate a corporation worker who disappeared in the Amayizhanjan canal during cleanup. Challenges include excessive garbage and water flow, complicating the mission. Devices like robots and rovers have been deployed, yet the body remains unfound.

Rescue operations escalated on Sunday to locate a corporation worker who vanished in the Amayizhanjan canal near Thiruvananthapuram railway station. Despite all efforts, the individual remains missing. Rescue teams are now attempting to enter the canal from the 5th platform.

Teams have only been able to reach 30 metres into the canal and are planning to pump out the water. The garbage and water in the canal are proving to be significant obstacles. The missing worker, Joy, was employed by the city's municipal corporation and disappeared while cleaning the canal during an unexpected water surge caused by heavy rainfall.

Scuba divers, fire rescue officials, and robots have been deployed inside the canal to locate Joy. Director General of the Kerala Fire and Rescue Department, K. Padmakumar, commented on the situation, noting the considerable garbage that is hindering the operation. He mentioned that divers have descended to 60 metres but venturing further is perilous due to accumulated garbage.

Padmakumar elaborated, explaining that another 80 metres remain unexplored. The area is solidifying, making progression difficult. Teams have entered 60 metres from one end and will now attempt the other end. Moving forward is a challenge with the area covered in mud and sludge, and the body presumed buried deep within.

Vimal Govind, CEO of Genrobotic and Innovation, whose team is aiding in the search, voiced similar concerns regarding drainage problems. Despite deploying a rover and continued efforts by fire and rescue operations, the body remains unfound due to rampant waste in the drainage. He noted that the body is expected to be nearby, with efforts focusing on clearing the canal to retrieve it manually. NDRF and fire and rescue officials remain engaged in the search.