Search and rescue operations intensified in flood-affected hydropower tunnels

Kathmandu: Search and rescue operations have been intensified for people trapped inside tunnels of hydropower projects following the Bhotekoshi floods in Rasuwa.

A team of experts led by the Nepali Army has been carrying out search and rescue operations in the project tunnels for the past three days.

According to the Army’s Directorate of Military Public Relations and Information, troops, including technical experts, are conducting searches inside the Trishuli-3 ‘B’ tunnel.

A joint team, including foreign experts, has also entered around 100 metres into the Chilime Hydropower tunnel in search of a missing person. The Army said the tunnel was blocked by mud, and two bodies were recovered during the search.

Similarly, a search was conducted around 300 metres inside the Upper Trishuli-1 tunnel, where another body was recovered. Search and rescue operations are also continuing inside the Langtang Project tunnel.

At around 2 am today, explosives were used to open the tunnel at Trishuli-3 ‘A’. The Army said foot patrols are also continuing in forests, hills, rivers and residential areas to assess the need for further rescue operations.

Army spokesperson Rajaram Basnet said relief and food supplies are being distributed in the Syafrubesi area, while inspections are also being carried out around the Langtang Hydropower Project.