Rescue teams in Nepal achieved a significant breakthrough on Friday when they successfully pulled two workers from a hydropower tunnel. Officials continue efforts to reach other individuals believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.
The dramatic rescue occurred nine days after floods, likely triggered by a glacier collapse, devastated towns and villages. The floods impacted the area surrounding the Trishuli 3A tunnel on August 26, causing widespread damage.
Nepalese lawmaker Shri Ram Neupane reported the second rescue on his Facebook page. Prior to this, army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Raja Ram Basnet confirmed the rescue of the first worker. The rescued individuals, identified as a mechanical foreman and a mechanical supervisor, were discovered alive by rescue teams early Friday morning.
Local television channels captured images of the muddy first rescued worker being carried by a rescuer on his shoulder. The two men were deemed stable and immediately transported to a hospital in Kathmandu.
Kabir Maharjan’s brother, Amir Maharjan, expressed immense gratitude, stating, “I can’t explain what we are feeling at the moment. We are just grateful to god.” The family hurried to the hospital to reunite with him.
Kabir’s wife, Hirashova, shared her relief with CBS News partner BBC News, saying, “We couldn’t properly eat or drink for 10 days. We were very scared. Now we are all happy. We are even crying.”
The crisis at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project has resulted in 557 workers missing, with about 115 believed trapped in the main tunnel. Rescue operations are ongoing, with hopes that more survivors will be found.
Nepal’s Communication Minister Bikram Timilsina expressed optimism about future rescues, stating on Facebook, “We are waiting for the rescue of more and more people.”
Tragically, 1,259 casualties have been reported, with over 5,000 individuals missing across the region. In neighboring China, reports indicate 21 fatalities and 541 missing on the Tibetan side.
The floods have severely affected 12 hydropower projects in Nepal. Local authorities report nearly 900 workers are missing, with approximately 500 believed trapped in tunnels.