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Nepal Tunnel Rescue: Hope Fades for 6 Trapped Workers
14 Sep
Summary
- Rescue efforts continue for six workers trapped in Nepal's Chilime hydropower project.
- A large boulder has blocked the entry, hindering access to the underground power station.
- Over 1,386 people have died, and 5,130 are missing nationwide due to flash floods.
Hope flickers for six workers trapped within Nepal's Chilime 22 MW hydro power project, as a joint operation involving Indian Army experts and Nepalese Army personnel pushes forward. The workers became trapped on August 26 following massive flash floods triggered by an avalanche. A significant boulder has obstructed the tunnel entrance, preventing rescuers from reaching the underground power station where the individuals are believed to be located.
Rescuers have cleared over 100 meters of debris, including muck and stone boulders, to reach a critical point just before the power station. However, a major excavator component developed a snag, temporarily halting progress. Authorities are arranging to airlift necessary parts to resume operations. This critical repair is vital to break through the boulder blockade, which has been the primary obstacle for the past two weeks.
The broader disaster in Nepal has been severe, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reporting at least 1,386 deaths and 5,130 missing individuals nationwide. Data from hydropower companies indicates a significant number of unaccounted-for individuals at project sites, underscoring the widespread impact of the floods.
