‘Layer upon layer of miracles’: How Nepal flood survivors were rescued from tunnel

A tunnelling expert, Arnold Dix, has provided an account of the miraculous rescue of survivors from a blocked hydropower tunnel in Nepal. Dix, who is advising Nepal’s hydropower authorities on the rescue operation, described the rescue as "layer upon layer of miracles" given the numerous challenges they faced. The first challenge was locating the hydropower station in a landscape transformed by the recent flash flood, which has claimed the lives of 1,300 people.

Dix, the president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, explained how his team used engineering techniques, topographic maps, satellite imagery, and video footage to pinpoint the entrance of the tunnel hidden underground. Once they found the entrance, they had to navigate a tunnel blocked by mud and rocks, some larger than cars, and resorted to using explosives to clear the way.

Despite the risks, Dix praised the Nepalese army for their precise management of the explosions to prevent any danger to trapped individuals. They then had to drain the remaining water in the tunnel using excavators and pumping machines before digging a small tunnel large enough for a person to pass through. On Friday morning, rescuers heard faint voices and managed to pull out Sanjaya Shah and Kabir Maharjan alive.

However, with many more people still trapped, the team continues to face dangers from potential water obstacles and the risk of another flood. The team is now optimistic about reaching more survivors, as they are heading towards what they call the "Goldilocks zone" – a favorable area at the upper level of the hydropower station where survivors may be located.