Indian & Nepali Teams Continue Rescue Operation For 6 Workers Trapped In Nepal Hydropower Tunnel

Nuwakot, Nepal - Rescue operations are ongoing at the Chilime hydropower project, where six workers are reported to be trapped in a tunnel. Indian and Nepali teams are utilizing heavy machinery to clear mud and debris, moving closer to an underground powerhouse. The operation accelerated after the deployment of an excavator, loader, and Bobcat to the tunnel, as per India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava.

The technical team has cleared approximately 70 meters, with the powerhouse situated around 60 meters further down. The rescue teams intend to continue their efforts throughout the night to reach the workers, Srivastava stated. The Border Roads Organisation has also prepared an approach road to the rescue site. Nepal’s Army has constructed over a kilometer of access road from Syafrubesi towards the Chilime tunnel, facilitating the closer proximity of rescue equipment.

Nepal and India are working jointly inside the Chilime tunnel, according to a report. There has been no confirmation of contact with the six workers; however, rescuers discovered a pocket of air near their location, which does not guarantee their safety or that contact has been established. Flash floods, caused by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, led to the tragic loss of nearly 1,400 lives and left over 5,000 people missing.

Approximately 100 individuals are believed to be trapped in numerous tunnels associated with hydropower projects in the flood-affected regions.