Moments of Terror Experienced by Hydropower Workers in Nepal Disaster
Engineers who miraculously survived as tunnels on the Trishuli River flooded recounted the moments. The death toll across the country has exceeded one thousand.
The life-and-death struggle that unfolded when Trishuli River waters flooded a hydroelectric tunnel during the devastating floods in Nepal has come to light. While surviving workers shared the terrifying moments inside the tunnel, search and rescue operations for thousands of missing people continue within the tunnels.
Flash Floods That Flooded the Tunnels
The moment of the disaster when Trishuli River waters rushed into the tunnel during the deadly flash floods that devastated the region last week was recounted by employees.
Pemba Dundu Tamang, who works in concrete lining construction, and his team were shaken by a suddenly striking powerful wave of wind.
The Moment of Escape Chased by Water
While the severe wind sent plywood flying into the air and uprooted heavy machinery, houses outside had already been swept away.
Tamang stated that he ran toward the tunnel entrance, with the water chasing from behind and himself fleeing ahead of the water.
Rising Death Toll and Missing Persons
While Tamang managed to survive despite losing some family members in their homes during the disaster, he learned that many of his colleagues were also missing.
Following the devastating floods in Nepal last week, the death toll has exceeded one thousand, while authorities report that approximately four thousand people are missing.
Search and Rescue at Hydropower Construction Sites
Hundreds of workers employed in the massive tunnel network belonging to the riverside hydroelectric plants are among the missing.
As part of massive search and rescue operations, engineers are trying to improve conditions inside by pumping air into these tunnels.
Operations by Military Teams on the Ground
Nepal Army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet stated that search and rescue activities are concentrated in the tunnels and that work is continuing uninterrupted.
It was shared that soldiers have also been deployed on the field to collect bodies and prevent the potential spread of diseases.