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The Nepal Army has said that search and rescue operations inside tunnels of flood-damaged hydropower projects will continue until breakthrough access is achieved in all tunnels. The Army has intensified rescue efforts after estimating that around 121 people may have been trapped inside tunnels of various hydropower projects during the Rasuwa flood.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority on Monday, Nepal Army Assistant Rathi (Major General) Subash Jung Thapa said rescue operations would continue in all tunnels unless the government decides to halt the work.

“The facts indicate that only 121 people entered the tunnels,” he said. “Until every tunnel is fully broken through, we will continue search and rescue operations.”

According to Assistant Rathi Thapa, some workers from the hydropower projects may have been outside the tunnels when the flood struck. He said it is necessary to complete search and rescue operations in all tunnels to accurately determine the number and condition of those trapped inside.

Search Intensified at Multiple Projects

According to the Army, a joint team comprising rescue personnel and project representatives has reached the powerhouse and control point of the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project and is conducting search operations.

Similarly, Army rescue teams equipped with specialized gear are continuing search efforts inside the powerhouse and tunnel of the Trishuli-3A Hydropower Project.

At the Trishuli-3B project, troops have entered through Adit-2 and exited through Adit-1. Assistant Rathi Thapa said work is also underway to create access routes through the Adit-2 tunnel so that excavators and heavy equipment can be brought inside.

At Chilime Hydropower, a joint team including foreign technicians is using equipment to remove mud and debris. Additional search operations are also being carried out at the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project with the support of foreign technical experts, he added.

Flood and Debris Flow Estimated at 180 km/h

Assistant Rathi Thapa said preliminary assessments of the damage inside hydropower tunnels suggest that the floodwaters and debris traveled at an estimated speed of around 180 kilometers per hour.

He said search and rescue operations are being conducted based on the condition of the tunnels, the extent of damage, and potential risks. The Army has mobilized available manpower and equipment to locate those trapped inside the tunnels.

Jalasarokar