Forty-one Indian construction workers rescued after being trapped in a collapsed highway tunnel for 17 days may need long-term support, including monitoring for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), officials said.
The men had been trapped in the Himalayan tunnel since November 12 when it collapsed. Rescuers finally reached them on Tuesday after drilling through rocks and debris.
The workers received food, water, light, oxygen and medicine through a narrow tube during their ordeal. However, efforts to dig a tunnel to rescue them with high-powered drilling machines were hampered by numerous setbacks and equipment breakdowns.
Rescued workers will undergo comprehensive medical check-ups and follow-up monitoring by specialists. According to Dr. Dinakaran D. of the state’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, the mental impact of his ordeal could last for many months.
Dr. Dinakaran said that there is a risk of PTSD in these individuals and that all 41 would experience some post-traumatic symptoms such as insomnia, recurring bad dreams, recurrent reliving of the tunnel collapse and anxiety. Although not everyone will develop the disorder, most will experience these symptoms for three to six months.
Workers were in constant contact with rescuers via wireless devices and had two kilometers of space inside the tunnel to walk, wash and rest. Antidepressants were also sent to them through a small tube.
While waiting to be rescued, the men were encouraged to talk to each other, tell stories, do yoga, do light exercise and play the board games sent to them.
Dr Dinakaran stressed the need for regular check-ups for at least a year as there can be lasting changes in personality.
The rescue operation was a success, but the rescued workers will need long-term support to deal with the psychological impact of their traumatic experience.
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