Two workers rescued from Nepal tunnel 9 days after flash flood
In this photo provided by the Nepal Army, soldiers rescue a worker alive from a tunnel during an ongoing operation at the Trishuli-3A hydropower project in Nepal’s Rasuwa district. (Photo: AP)Nine days after flash floods ravaged Nepal, two engineers trapped in the Trishuli 3 ‘A’ hydropower tunnel have been rescued, raising hopes that others stuck in the tunnel could also be alive.
Sanjay Saha (30) and Kabir Maharjan (45), both mechanical engineers, were rescued on Friday morning. The survivors have said more people are trapped inside the tunnel.
A spokesperson for the Nepal Army, which is leading the rescue operation, said the two rescued were found at a depth of 170 metres inside the tunnel.
The calamity, which struck two districts in Nepal on August 26, has claimed over 1250 lives. A dozen hydel projects have been substantially damaged, and many workers are missing.
Suresh Raut, senior official of the Nepal Electricity Authority, told the BBC that rescue teams provided oxygen to Shah after bringing him out. Suresh Chaudhari, a colleague of Shah’s, told the BBC, “I am so, so happy, I have been waiting for the news. This has given hope that others will also be rescued alive.”
Most hydropower projects in the region were destroyed when a surge of water, debris and mud swept down the river valley last week.
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At the Upper Trishuli 3A site, rescue teams took nearly six days to locate the tunnels because of thick mud blocking the entrance. Authorities said they believe around 30 to 40 people may still be alive inside. Army units and specialist teams have been working around the clock to clear mud and boulders from the tunnel entrance, and hopes rose further early Friday morning when voices were heard deep inside the tunnel.
