Nepalese rescue teams, assisted by Chinese and Indian experts, have intensified operations to reach hundreds of people believed to be trapped inside tunnels at hydropower projects following severe flooding that struck Nepal last week.
The unexpected flood, carrying rocks, mud and landslide debris, swept through villages and towns in Nepal as well as across areas along the Chinese border last Wednesday, causing widespread destruction. More than 900 people have reportedly died, while nearly 5,000 remain missing.
The disaster is believed to have been caused by a glacier collapse.
As bodies swept down from mountainous areas began to decompose in the humid weather conditions of Nepal’s plains, authorities have taken steps to bury hundreds of unidentified bodies in shallow graves.
Nepalese authorities said rescue operations are primarily focused on reaching 933 workers believed to be trapped at 11 hydropower projects in the severely affected districts of Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Most of them are believed to have been working inside around eight tunnels.
Photos and videos released by rescue teams showed excavators being used at night under artificial lights to remove mud and rocks, while workers waited nearby.
The Nepal Army said search and rescue teams were using excavators and searchlights to remove water and mud and reach those trapped inside the tunnels.
After entering two tunnels, rescue teams managed to recover three bodies, while search operations continue in other sections covered by mud.
“Large amounts of debris and soil have accumulated, creating a major obstacle to opening the tunnels. Our main focus is on opening the tunnels,” Nepal Army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet said.
