In Nepal, rescuers successfully saved two workers from a hydropower tunnel, sparking hope for the potential rescue of twelve others who are believed to be stranded after devastating floods wreaked havoc on towns and villages. The two individuals, identified as Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan, were found at the Trishuli 3A construction site, according to a statement from Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha’s office.
Sah, a mechanical foreman, recounted his decision to remain in the tunnel during the mountain collapse near the power plant where he was stationed. Despite the perilous situation, Sah stayed behind to assist his colleagues, emphasizing his commitment to saving lives.
Following the first successful rescue, Nepalese lawmaker Shri Ram Neupane shared the news on social media, shortly after Brig. Gen. Raja Ram Basnet, an army spokesperson, confirmed the initial worker’s extraction. Basnet mentioned that one of the survivors indicated the presence of more individuals still trapped inside the tunnel.
The rescue operation gained momentum after voices were heard from within the tunnel, validating the presence of survivors and aiding in the location of the two rescued workers. Images broadcasted by local television channels showcased the muddy and exhausted workers being transported from the site for medical attention in Kathmandu.
With hundreds of workers still unaccounted for at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project, authorities and rescue teams remain optimistic about locating additional survivors. The disaster, which claimed the lives of 1,259 individuals and left over 5,000 missing, is believed to have been triggered by a glacier collapse. China also reported casualties, with 31 fatalities and 531 missing persons on the Tibet side of the border.
Overall, around 900 workers are missing across twelve hydropower projects in Nepal, with an estimated 500 individuals potentially trapped in underground tunnels. Communication Minister Bikram Timilsina expressed hope for the successful rescue of more workers, underscoring the ongoing efforts to save lives in the aftermath of the catastrophic floods.