Nepal Flood Tragedy: 900 Workers Still Trapped in Hydropower Project Tunnels; Rescue Operations Intensified
Relief and rescue operations are proceeding on a war footing to safely evacuate workers trapped in hydropower project tunnels following devastating floods in Nepal. So far, 361 workers have been rescued, while about 900 remain trapped in the tunnels of various projects. The ongoing rescue operation utilizes the army, specialized rescue teams, and heavy machinery.
Efforts are primarily focused on the tunnel of the Trishuli-3 'A' hydropower project, where a large number of workers are trapped. Rescue personnel are working to clear the massive amounts of soil, silt, and debris accumulated inside the tunnel.
The rescue team has drilled a six-inch hole and installed a pipe to supply air to the trapped workers. Work is now underway to enlarge this hole into a manhole, allowing rescue teams to enter the tunnel and reach the workers. Officials state that while the rescue operation is challenging, every possible effort is being made to bring all workers out safely.
It is noteworthy that on August 26, sudden, severe flooding in Nepal's Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers caused massive devastation. Due to the strong currents, workers inside the tunnels of several hydropower projects were unable to exit and became trapped. The floods also damaged roads and access routes around the projects, causing significant initial difficulties for relief operations.
According to Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 734 people have lost their lives in this flood and landslide tragedy, while 2,498 remain missing. Additionally, 16 people have lost their lives in Tibet due to the same disaster.
The Government of Nepal has implemented a three-tiered strategy involving the Nepali Army to accelerate rescue operations in the affected areas. Operations currently underway include airlifting via helicopters, relocating people from vulnerable areas to safe locations, clearing debris with the help of heavy machinery and sniffer dogs, and providing immediate medical care to the injured.
Meanwhile, several nations—including India, the US, the UK, Canada, the European Union, and China—have announced financial and humanitarian aid for Nepal. India has dispatched relief supplies along with a team of medical and tunnel rescue experts to Kathmandu, while the US has announced an additional $3.6 million in humanitarian assistance. Amidst this international cooperation, the top priority is now to safely rescue the workers trapped in the tunnels and deliver relief to the affected people.