Kathmandu, September 4
The devastating flood that swept through the Bhotekoshi River into the Trishuli River in Rasuwa on August 26 caused extensive loss of life and property. Search and rescue operations are still underway.
People working at various hydropower projects in Rasuwa were also trapped by the flood. While the bodies of some have been recovered, the whereabouts of others remain unknown. Following reports that several people were trapped inside hydropower project tunnels, technical teams, including personnel from the Nepal Army, have continued focused search and rescue operations.
According to Nepal Army Colonel Jhabindra Bahadur Reshmi, the Army has so far rescued more than 3,200 Nepali nationals. The figure includes people rescued both from inside and outside the tunnels. He said the Army has also rescued more than 270 foreign nationals. “Our main priority is to rescue people alive. Search and rescue operations are continuing in all seven tunnels in the area,” he said.
According to Reshmi, the rescue progress at the various projects is as follows:
- Trishuli 3-A: Rescue teams have entered up to 170 meters inside the tunnel and have rescued two people alive. Search and rescue operations are continuing.
- Trishuli 3-B: Army personnel have entered up to 30 meters inside the tunnel. Work is currently underway to remove soil and sludge.
- Chilime Hydropower Project: Army personnel have entered up to 150 meters inside the tunnel and are continuing search and rescue efforts.
- Langtang Hydro: Openings measuring eight feet in length and three feet in width have been made at various points of the tunnel to facilitate rescue efforts. The rescue operation is continuing.
- Upper Trishuli 1: The Army rescue team has entered up to 200 meters inside the tunnel.
- Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project: Army personnel have entered up to 275 meters inside the tunnel.
Meanwhile, the Nepal Army has constructed a temporary rope crossing at Indreni Ghat. According to Colonel Reshmi, work has also begun on constructing a rope crossing and a Bailey bridge at Devighat. He said the Army is conducting rescue operations at 19 locations by land, in addition to carrying out aerial rescues.
