100 trapped in Nepal's hydropower tunnel; 63 Indians among 350 rescued so far

Sixty-three Indian nationals were among around 350 workers and locals rescued by the Nepal Army after they were trapped inside a hydropower tunnel following the monster flash flood, officials said.

Meanwhile, around 100 people remain trapped inside Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Rasuwa, one of the hardest-hit districts, with rescue teams racing against time to bring them out.

The rescue operation came as the Himalayan nation battled the aftermath of the devastating flash floods that swept through its northern border region, destroying roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.

In a statement, the Nepal Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, "A Nepali Army team has successfully rescued 350 workers and locals who were trapped in the tunnel a while ago, facing extremely risky and challenging conditions amid adverse weather and rapid floodwaters."

“The army is still working to safely evacuate more than 100 people trapped in the same tunnel.”

On Thursday, the PMO posted a video on Facebook, showing two Nepal Army rescuers in helmets and military fatigues rappelling from a hovering helicopter before making their way up a mud-covered slope towards the tunnel entrance.

In a follow-up post today, the Office said the rescue ops have intensified and posted another video showing workers being pulled out.

"The search continues to see how many people are still trapped inside the tunnel and their rescue operations are also being attempted," the post read.

“Even in the difficult conditions of the tunnel, the military is continuing the search and rescue operations of the remaining people by operating technical equipment and specially trained teams.”

Meanwhile, speaking to AFP News Agency, Nepal Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said two helicopters had been deployed for the operation, but rescuers were facing major challenges in even locating the tunnel's entry points amid the destruction.

“Our focus is on the search and rescue of people... some people are trapped in the tunnel of Trishuli 3A hydropower project,” Basnet said.

“Two helicopters have been dispatched, but it is challenging because it is tough to even locate the entry points of the tunnel. Relief efforts are also underway to provide the rescued people with what they need,” he added.

Meanwhile, the scale of destruction across Nepal's northern region bordering Tibet became clearer as rescue teams reached devastated hydropower sites and survivors recounted the terrifying speed with which the floods struck.

Workers rescued from other projects along the Trishuli valley described scenes of devastation, with several saying colleagues were swept away by the floodwaters.

“There were at least 400 workers at the site,” Dev Shrestha, who was airlifted from the site where he was working, told AFP after his rescue. “More people died than were rescued.”

Another worker, Buddha Tamang, said he survived because he was inside a tunnel when the flood struck. He eventually managed to escape and get help after being stranded for more than 24 hours.

“I survived as I was in the tunnel,” Tamang said after being airlifted on Thursday. “The senior officers working on the other side, were all swept away.”

Arjun Kumar Tamang, another worker, spoke of the destruction caused by the raging waters.

“I don't know how many people died, but the force of the water swept everything away,” he said.

- Ends

(With AFP inputs)