KATHMANDU, Aug 31: Search and rescue operations have intensified in hydropower tunnels across areas hit by the Bhotekoshi floods, with Nepali Army teams and technical experts working to locate people feared trapped underground.
Teams led by the Nepali Army have been focusing their efforts on tunnels of hydropower projects, where mud and debris have made the search particularly challenging.
According to the Directorate of Public Relations and Information of the Nepali Army, troops and experts are continuing search and rescue operations inside the Trishuli-3 ‘B’ tunnel.
A joint team, including foreign experts, has entered about 100 meters into the Chilime Hydropower tunnel in search of missing people. Part of the tunnel has been buried by mud, and two bodies have so far been recovered, the army said.
Rescue operations inside hydropower tunnels prove challenging
In the Upper Trishuli-1 tunnel, the team has advanced about 300 meters and recovered one body. Search and rescue operations are also underway in the Langtang Project tunnel.
The Trishuli-3 ‘A’ tunnel was opened at around 2:00 am on Monday using explosives. Two excavators are being used to dig a 10-meter-deep hole and clear water, mud, and silt from inside the tunnel.
The army said foot patrols are also assessing the need for rescue operations in forests, hills, streams, and residential areas across the flood-hit region.
Army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet said relief and ration distribution had been carried out in the Syabrubesi area, while the Langtang Hydropower Project area had also been inspected.
Meanwhile, 2,632 people have received medical services at emergency treatment centers established by the army in Dhunche, Rasuwa, and Trishuli, Nuwakot.
More than 8,900 troops have been mobilized across flood-affected areas, including Timure in Rasuwa and parts of Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, Nawalparasi East, and Nawalparasi West.
Security personnel are continuing search and rescue operations, managing recovered bodies, clearing blocked roads, and providing emergency medical treatment.
So far, around 23,194 kg of relief supplies have been delivered by helicopter to affected areas, including Dhunche.
Since August 26, the army has rescued 593 people, including 338 foreign nationals.
