Er.energyNP@Gmail.com

China is preparing to send two teams of tunnel rescue experts to Nepal as rescue operations continue in flood-hit areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading following the devastating Bhotekoshi flood on August 26.

The expert teams are expected to assist in rescue operations at hydropower projects and other areas where people remain trapped inside or have been buried by debris.

Rescue efforts are currently underway at several hydropower projects affected by the flood. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, excavation work is continuing to rescue people believed to be trapped at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project.

More than 20 feet of debris has reportedly already been excavated as part of the operation. The government says excavation is progressing well and that rescuers are expected to reach the entrance of the tunnel by around 2 pm, provided the current pace is maintained.

Rescue teams are also continuing operations at other hydropower projects and locations where infrastructure has been buried or swept away by the flood.

China to provide cash and technical assistance

China is also preparing a broader assistance package for Nepal in response to the disaster.

According to Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, China will send two cargo aircraft carrying relief materials, along with the two teams of tunnel-related experts, and provide US$2 million in cash assistance to the Nepali government.

The deployment of specialized tunnel experts is expected to strengthen Nepal’s ongoing rescue operations, particularly in hydropower tunnels and other confined or debris-filled structures where conventional rescue efforts are difficult.

The Chinese assistance comes as Nepal continues large-scale search, rescue and relief operations in areas severely affected by the Bhotekoshi flood.

The disaster, which originated from the Bhotekoshi area and affected multiple settlements and infrastructure in northern Nepal, has caused significant loss of life and extensive damage to roads, bridges, hydropower facilities, telecommunications infrastructure and local businesses.

Several countries have expressed solidarity with Nepal and pledged humanitarian assistance following the disaster.

India has already sent relief materials to Nepal and has also expressed readiness to provide further assistance for rescue and relief operations.

With rescue operations still underway at multiple locations, the arrival of China’s tunnel rescue specialists is expected to provide additional technical capacity for reaching people trapped inside hydropower tunnels and other difficult-to-access sites.