Search ends in Nepal hydroelectric tunnel after devastating floods
The Nepal Army rescue team concluded search operations this Monday in the tunnel of the Rasuwagadhi Hydroelectric Project. The mission, which focused on locating dozens of workers allegedly trapped following last week’s floods, ended without positive results, as no survivors or remains were found after an exhaustive inspection with drones and engineers.
Humanitarian crisis and missing persons figures
The magnitude of the tragedy in the hydroelectric complexes of the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river basins is alarming. According to data provided by the Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal, it is estimated that at least 93 workers remain missing at the Rasuwagadhi project alone. Nationwide, authorities report more than 900 people unaccounted for across various energy complexes in the region.
Nationwide search operations have, so far, accounted for 903 fatalities and more than 4,247 missing persons following the natural disaster that struck the north and center of the country.
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA)
International cooperation in rescue efforts
Given the complexity of intervening in tunnels affected by the force of the waters, the Government of Nepal requested specialized technical assistance at a global level. Currently, experts from various nations are collaborating closely with local authorities:
- India: Has deployed a team composed of eleven specialists.
- China: Contributes with a group of nine rescue experts.
- South Korea: Has sent qualified technical personnel to reinforce tasks in hard-to-reach areas.
The Nepalese Foreign Minister, Shisir Khanal, confirmed that these international teams continue to work at critical points, despite the challenges presented by the terrain following the floods that have left a devastating mark on Nepal’s infrastructure and population.
