Over 900 Trapped in Nepal’s Flood-Damaged Tunnels; Rescue Operations Continue Amid Hope and Desperation A catastrophic flood in Nepal has left over 900 people missing, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped in hydroelectric project tunnels. The disaster, triggered by sudden monsoon rains, has devastated the Trishuli River region, submerging infrastructure and displacing thousands. As of now, more than 279 individuals have been rescued, but the search for the missing continues in the face of treacherous conditions. The Scale of the Crisis The flood, which struck on August 29, overwhelmed the Trishuli-3A hydroelectric project and other sites, trapping workers in underground tunnels. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Independent Power Producers Association, at least 897 people are still unaccounted for, including engineers, laborers, and support staff. The disaster has also displaced hundreds of local residents, with many seeking shelter in makeshift camps. Rescue Efforts and Challenges Rescue operations have involved a mix of local and international teams, including the Nepali Army, helicopters, and technical experts. Teams have used air compressors to pump oxygen into tunnels, a critical step in sustaining trapped individuals. However, the process has been slow, with families pleading for faster action. One survivor, Shiva Giri, shared his harrowing escape. After the flood submerged the Malung hydroelectric project, Giri and his colleagues fled to higher ground, walking for 12 hours through dense forests before taking refuge in a cave. “We had no choice but to climb,” he told Nepal News. “Every second counted.” Eventually, a helicopter rescued the group, transporting them to Kathmandu for medical care.#nepal #trishuli_river #nepal_electricity_authority #independent_power_producers_association #ndrrma
