Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah shared a post on X stating that the rescue operation have intensified at the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in Nuwakot, Nepal, following the devastating floods and landslides in the region.
Nepal’s Prime Minister said Nepali Army engineers are using heavy equipment and controlled blasting operations to reach the trapped workers as quickly as possible.
90 Personnel Deployed For Rescue Operation
According to the latest update shared by the Prime Minister on X, a joint team of 90 security personnel has been deployed at the rescue site.
The team includes:
- 66 Nepali Army personnel, including a specialised search-and-rescue team with trained dogs
- 18 Armed Police Force personnel
- 6 Nepal Police personnel
The teams are working together despite difficult and dangerous conditions inside the hydropower project.
Rescue Team Creates Opening In Tunnel
The crucial moment for the rescue mission was reached when the crew reached the crown head part of the tunnel which is referred to as the ‘crown head’ at about 2 pm.
The rescuers were able to dig a hole measuring 2×3 feet in an effort to reach the trapped individuals in the tunnel.
The members used ropes to rappel down to the bottom of the tunnel where they shouted out to the individuals but they received no response from them.
Heavy Equipment And Blasting Used
While the rescue teams were continuing their work, engineers started at the same time using various machines including heavy machinery and blasting techniques to widen the entryway.
This is done in order to have a more spacious entry way for rescue teams to reach the people who are trapped inside the tunnel.
This work is being done very cautiously due to the dangerous situation in the flooded region.
Rescue Teams Working Around The Clock
The prime minister stated that the rescue team would keep up their operations around the clock regardless of the dangers. The use of trained search and rescue dogs is also anticipated to aid in the search for people trapped within the tunnel.
The officials are very careful in coordinating this exercise as they work to expand the entrance into the tunnel.
Nepal Rescue Operations Continue Amid Flood Disaster
The tunnel rescue operation comes as Nepal continues to deal with the devastating impact of flash floods and landslides that have affected several parts of the country.
Rescue teams have been working across multiple locations to find missing people, evacuate stranded residents and recover bodies.
At the Upper Trishuli 3A project, authorities are now racing against time to establish contact with those trapped inside and bring them out safely.