Nepal Tunnel Rescue Reaches Two Survivors
A Nepal tunnel rescue operation has successfully reached two men trapped inside a blocked hydropower tunnel after a devastating flash flood struck the Nepal-Tibet border.
Tunnelling expert Arnold Dix, who has been advising Nepal’s hydropower authorities, told the BBC that rescuers faced a series of major obstacles before reaching Sanjaya Shah and Kabir Maharjan alive on Friday.
The tunnel leading to the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Station was buried beneath mud, rocks and debris after the disaster. Dix described finding the two survivors as “layer upon layer of miracles”, given the scale of the damage and the difficulties facing rescuers.
Rescuers Had to Find the Buried Entrance
One of the first challenges was locating the tunnel entrance. The area had been transformed by the flash flood and an avalanche that buried the entrance, which had previously been visible on the hillside.
Dix said his team combined engineering methods with old topographic maps, satellite imagery, helicopter footage and visible landmarks such as power poles to determine where the entrance was likely to be.
After locating it, rescuers began digging towards the trapped workers without knowing their exact position. They had to rely on careful excavation and listening for possible signs of life.
Explosives Used to Clear the Tunnel
The rescue team encountered a tunnel completely blocked by mud and rocks, including some debris larger than cars. Explosives were used to remove parts of the obstruction despite the significant risks involved.
Dix said such methods would normally be avoided because of the danger of harming people trapped inside or causing further hazards for rescuers.
He praised the Nepalese army for carefully controlling the explosions and ensuring they did not destabilise the tunnel.
Rescuers also discovered large quantities of water inside the tunnel. Excavators and pumping equipment were used to create drainage trenches connecting the tunnel to the river outside, allowing water to escape.
Two Men Rescued Alive Nepal tunnel rescue
After clearing part of the tunnel, rescuers created a narrow passage through the debris near the top. The small tunnel was designed to use the existing tunnel roof for protection while reducing the risk of further flooding.
In the early hours of Friday, rescuers heard what they believed were voices from inside. They called out to the trapped workers and reportedly received a faint response.
Shortly afterwards, Sanjaya Shah and Kabir Maharjan were brought out alive.
The successful rescue has given the team renewed confidence as dozens of other people are still believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.
Rescue Teams Face More Dangers Nepal tunnel rescue
Dix said rescuers had excavated roughly 60 metres from the entrance but still faced another 150 metres before reaching the hydropower station deep inside the mountain.
The condition of the station remains uncertain. Rescuers are hoping flood debris did not reach the facility, as rocks, mud or water could have seriously endangered anyone sheltering inside.
The operation also remains dangerous because rescuers could encounter more water underground. Another flood outside the tunnel could create additional risks by sending water into the excavation from behind.
Rescuers Push Towards ‘Goldilocks Zone’
Despite the dangers, Friday’s rescue has strengthened hopes that more survivors can be found.
Dix said the team is now working towards what he called the “Goldilocks zone”, an upper section of the hydropower station where there may be more space and conditions could be more suitable for people who have survived.
The tunnelling expert said rescuers now have greater confidence that their approach is working, describing the operation as something they had never attempted before.
After successfully bringing two people out alive, Dix said the team remained determined to continue the operation, declaring: “Game on, time to take on the house.”
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