Two Rescued Alive From Nepal Tunnel After 9 Days
Two workers have been rescued alive from Nepal’s Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project, nine days after catastrophic flash floods and debris flows trapped them inside a tunnel. Their survival has raised hopes that dozens of other workers may still be alive underground.
Two Workers Pulled Alive From Trishuli Tunnel
The rescued workers have been identified as Sanjay Shah and Kabir Maharjan.
Both men were found about 170 metres inside the tunnel and were subsequently airlifted to Kathmandu for hospital treatment.
Shah suffered injuries that were described as non-critical, while Maharjan was reported to have difficulty moving his limbs. Authorities said injuries to their hands and legs may have resulted from attempts to crawl through sections of the tunnel.
Rescuers Hear Voices From Inside Tunnel
The breakthrough came after rescue teams established communication with people trapped deeper inside the facility and heard voices early on Friday.
Authorities believe around 30 to 40 more workers could still be alive inside the Trishuli 3A tunnel.
Specialist teams, including Nepal Army and Armed Police Force personnel, have been clearing thick mud, rocks and debris from access points as efforts continue to reach the remaining workers.
Hundreds Missing at Nepal Hydropower Projects
The August 26 disaster devastated several hydropower facilities along the Trishuli River after a massive glacier-related collapse sent water, ice, rock and mud through the valley.
Hundreds of hydropower workers remain unaccounted for across affected projects, with many believed to have been trapped inside underground tunnels.
The rescue of Shah and Maharjan more than a week after the disaster has strengthened hopes that air pockets inside some tunnels may have allowed other workers to survive while rescue teams work to reach them.
