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Nepal Water & Energy Development Company Pvt. Ltd. (NWEDC), promoter of the 216 MW Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project, has issued a press release expressing deep sorrow over the devastating flood that struck Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. The flood followed a glacial lake outburst/snow avalanche near the Nepal-China border on September 26 (Bhadau 10, 2083 BS), which surged down the Bhotekoshi/Trishuli river system.

Key Details

About the Project: Upper Trishuli-1, under construction in Aamachhodingmo Rural Municipality-1 (Haku area) and Uttargaya Rural Municipality-1 of Rasuwa district, is Nepal’s largest hydropower project currently under construction with foreign direct investment. The project had targeted completion by July 2027 (Shawan 2084 BS), with the dam site, headrace tunnel, and underground powerhouse areas all under active construction. The flood caused extensive damage to the dam structure (headworks), project office, and residential facilities.

Companies Involved: The project involves NWEDC as promoter; Tractable-Jade JV as consultant; South Korean firm Doosan as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor; Power China as the civil sub-contractor appointed by Doosan; and Andritz Hydro handling electro-mechanical works.

Workforce Impact: Approximately 1,433 personnel - including Nepali, Korean, Chinese, Indian, and other nationals - were working at the project site at the time of the flood, distributed as follows:

- NWEDC: 27

- Tractable-Jade Consult: 20

- Doosan: 78

- Power China: 1,069

- Andritz Hydro: 239

As of this update, approximately 557 personnel remain unreachable and 876 have been rescued (preliminary figures), broken down by company as:

- NWEDC: 15

- Jade Consult: 7

- Doosan: 56

- Power China: 385

- Andritz Hydro: 94

Around 115 of those unreachable are feared trapped in the headworks area and main tunnel.

Rescue Timeline (Aug 26-Sept 1, 2026)

- August 26: Early warning issued at 8:57 AM upon news of flooding; however, the flood arrived too quickly for safe evacuation. Three people were rescued and handed over to their families the same day; a helicopter reconnaissance identified a possible large group of trapped workers inside the powerhouse tunnel.

- August 27: Two aerial search rounds conducted by helicopter.

- August 28: Relief-supported search operations continued; one injured Indian national (Power China sub-contractor staff) rescued near Dandagaun police post and handed to Andritz Hydro.

- August 29: Simrik Security Gorkha Force deployed; a five-member team with four locals conducted a foot search from Grang to Mailung, spotting one body but unable to reach it due to heavy debris. Korean and Nepali technical teams began drone-based search of forest and riverbank areas.

- August 30: A planned deployment with the Nepal Mountain Rescue Association was cancelled after the required government permission was not obtained in time.

- August 31: Two helicopters deployed in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepali Army, and security agencies; joint search conducted in Edit-1 and descender zones. The headworks area was found completely filled with debris, rendering equipment there unusable.

- September 1: Search intensified with TAEN company deployment covering Grang, Mailung, and other likely areas; a special team including nine Sherpas, trained search dogs, and mantrailing/air-scenting equipment sent from Pokhara; 6.5 HP pumps and generators sent to headworks to help clear accumulated water.

Ongoing Efforts

NWEDC states it is maintaining regular contact with the families of unreachable persons, providing psychosocial counseling and support, and coordinating with multiple government ministries (Home, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation), the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and local authorities to fast-track permits and mobilize resources via both air and land routes. The company is also participating in the government’s disaster war-room coordination meetings.

The company has appealed for patience from the families and relatives of those still missing, affirming its continued commitment to the search and rescue effort.