The Stray News | Nagarkurnool, Telangana: Two specially trained cadaver dogs, Maya and Murphy, from the Kerala Police have been deployed to assist in the ongoing rescue operation at the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel. The Belgian Malinois duo, known for their exceptional ability to detect human presence even beneath thick debris, arrived in Telangana on Thursday via an Air Force cargo flight.
Handlers Prabhath, George Manuel, Maneesh K. M., and Vineeth accompanied the canines, reaching the disaster site after an overnight journey. Their mission: to locate the eight workers, including engineers and laborers, who have been trapped since February 22. The rescue teams, comprising NDRF, SDRF, the Indian Army, and Singareni personnel, are working tirelessly under challenging conditions of slush and unstable debris.
“These dogs have a proven track record. Maya had identified multiple victims during the Pettimudi landslide in 2020, while both Maya and Murphy assisted in recovering bodies in the Wayanad landslide last year,” said an official from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority.
Despite the complexity of the operation—compounded by a 1,500-ton tunnel boring machine obstructing access—the dogs have already begun their search. Authorities are hopeful that their heightened olfactory senses will expedite efforts to locate any signs of life or remains.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy visited the site on Thursday, overseeing the rescue mission that has now entered its 14th day. The deployment of Maya and Murphy signals a crucial turning point in this high-stakes effort.
“These dogs are more than just animals; they are our last hope in some of the most difficult rescue situations,” said a rescue worker on the ground.
As the search intensifies, all eyes are on Maya and Murphy—two four-legged heroes who may just help bring closure to a devastating tragedy.