Kathmandu, August 31
The sudden floods that struck Rasuwa and Nuwakot on August 26 morning caused widespread destruction along riverbanks and buried tunnels at several hydropower projects.
A large number of people are suspected to have been inside the tunnels when the floods struck. However, search and rescue operations inside some of the tunnels have yet to be completed, even on the sixth day after the disaster.
According to the Nepal Army headquarters at Bhadrakali, a controlled blast was carried out at the Trishuli 3A tunnel at 2am. Two excavators have also been used to create a hole by digging approximately 10 metres down.
The Nepal Army said workers are currently clearing water, mud and sediment from inside the tunnel.
Search and rescue operations are also underway at the Trishuli 3B tunnel, with security personnel deployed alongside technical experts.
A joint search and rescue team, including foreign personnel, entered approximately 100 metres into the Chilime Hydropower Project tunnel. Two bodies were recovered from inside the tunnel, where they were found buried under mud and soil.
At the Upper Trishuli-1 project, the search and rescue team entered approximately 300 metres into the tunnel, according to the Nepal Army. One body has been recovered from the tunnel.
Search operations have also begun at the Langtang tunnel. The Nepal Army said search and rescue personnel are using torchlights to search inside the tunnel.
