The rescue from the Trishuli-3A Hydroelectric Project has raised fresh hopes for hundreds of workers still believed to be trapped underground
Kathmandu: Two workers trapped inside a tunnel at the Trishuli-3A Hydroelectric Project in Nepal’s Rasuwa district were rescued alive on Friday, nine days after devastating floods and landslides swept through the region.
The rescued workers were identified as Sanjay Shah and Kabir Maharjan. One was working as a mechanical foreman, and the other as a mechanical supervisor. Both were taken for medical observation and treatment following the rescue.
According to a search and rescue update issued at 9:30 am on Friday, the two men were found inside a tunnel that had been buried under mud and debris following the August 26 disaster.
Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha confirmed the rescue of the first worker. Home Minister Sudan Gurung later confirmed that the second worker had also been pulled out alive.
The development has renewed hopes for other workers believed to be trapped inside underground sections of hydropower projects affected by the floods. Around 900 workers have reportedly gone missing from hydropower sites, with many believed to have been inside tunnels when floodwaters, mud and boulders swept through the area.
Rescue teams are facing collapsed tunnel sections, massive debris and damaged roads. Operations include debris clearance, draining flooded areas, drilling and using cameras and other equipment to locate survivors.
Nepal has also received international assistance. A 24-member Indian tunnel rescue team is working with the Nepal Army, while a nine-member Chinese team has been deployed at the Upper Trishuli-3A project.
The August 26 floods caused extensive destruction across Rasuwa and adjoining areas, damaging hydropower projects, roads, bridges and settlements along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems.
Nepal’s disaster management agency has reported at least 1,259 deaths, while more than 5,000 people remain missing.
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