Kathmandu, September 1
Search and rescue teams are continuing to look for people missing after the devastating Bhotekoshi flood, using a combination of tunnel operations, heavy equipment, air supply and specialist expertise.
Nepali security personnel are working alongside Nepali and foreign tunnel experts at several hydropower projects where people are believed to be trapped or remain unaccounted for.
At the Chilime Hydropower Project, rescue teams have entered about 50 metres into the tunnel and are continuing their search.
At the Langtang Hydropower Project, teams have advanced about 150 metres inside the tunnel, while at Upper Trishuli-1, they have reached about 200 metres.
The search is being carried out under difficult conditions inside the tunnels, with teams working to clear obstructions and reach deeper sections where missing people may be located.
At the Trishuli-3A Hydropower Project, rescuers have located the tunnel head. A compressor is being used to pump air into the tunnel, while teams are also working to drain water from inside.
Three excavators are being used to create an alternative access route to the tunnel, allowing rescuers to approach the affected section from another direction.
At the Trishuli-3B Hydropower Project, a team including specialists has located the tunnel entrance and is using an excavator to dig through the area and create access for the rescue operation.
The operations come after a devastating flood swept through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river system in Rasuwa on August 26, causing extensive loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
With several people still missing, rescue teams continue to work inside the damaged hydropower tunnels, trying different approaches to reach areas that remain inaccessible.
