The Nepal disaster management agency reported on Monday (31) that at least 933 workers are trapped in tunnels at approximately half a dozen hydroelectric projects affected by floods. One of the main locations is the Upper Trishuli complex, where authorities estimated on Friday (28) that around 350 people could be trapped.
A major rescue operation is underway, involving troops and specialized teams from India and China. On Sunday, the military transported equipment by air to the remote location and teams began removing debris from the entrance of one of the tunnels.
The head of the disaster management agency, Dharam Raj Uprety, explained that the situation is extremely difficult due to the large amount of debris, making it impossible to use explosives to open a path. The Upper Trishuli hydroelectric plants are interconnected on the Trishuli River, spanning the districts of Nuwakot and Rasuwa, both severely hit by Wednesday's floods.
