Over 650 workers remain unaccounted for after devastating floods hit 13 hydropower projects in Nepal, raising fears that some may be trapped inside tunnels at project sites cut off by damaged roads and communication networks.
According to the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), 933 workers at the affected projects were initially reported uncontactable.
So far, 254 have been rescued and contact has been established with some others, but hundreds remain unaccounted for.
There are fears that some workers at these sites could be trapped inside tunnels.
576 UNACCOUNTED FOR AT UPPER TRISHULI-1The situation is particularly serious at Upper Trishuli-1, a 216 MW run-of-river hydropower project, where 576 workers remain unaccounted for.
Over 650 workers remain unaccounted for after devastating floods hit 13 hydropower projects in Nepal, raising fears that some may be trapped inside tunnels at project sites cut off by damaged roads and communication networks.
According to the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), 933 workers at the affected projects were initially reported uncontactable. So far, 254 have been rescued and contact has been established with some others, but hundreds remain unaccounted for.
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With rescue operations entering the third day and several project sites difficult to access, Nepal has sought India's assistance in reaching workers feared trapped inside tunnels.
Nepal Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel said the government sought India's help as it appeared that Nepal's rescue teams alone would not be able to carry out the operation.
India is now preparing to send a specialised Tunnel Rescue Team. A reconnaissance team is being flown in first to assess the situation on the ground and determine the equipment required. A medical team is also being sent.
Among the projects requiring urgent rescue operations are Langtang Hydro, Upper Trishuli, Trishuli-3B and Chilime. There are fears that some workers at these sites could be trapped inside tunnels.
576 UNACCOUNTED FOR AT UPPER TRISHULI-1
The situation is particularly serious at Upper Trishuli-1, a 216 MW run-of-river hydropower project, where 576 workers remain unaccounted for. Around 1,350 people were working at the project when the disaster struck.
"576 people are uncontactable. There is no clear information about where they are. If some are trapped inside the tunnels and can be reached in time, there is a possibility of saving them," IPPAN Senior Vice-President Uttam Bhlon said.
Rescue teams have struggled to reach several hydropower sites because floods and landslides have damaged roads and disrupted mobile and telephone networks. The communication blackout has also made it difficult to establish the exact location and condition of those still missing.
Authorities are exploring the use of private helicopters to reach the affected sites. However, limited landing space, along with technical and safety concerns, has complicated rescue efforts.
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