Two Rescued After Nine Days: Two Nepal Tunnel Workers Rescued Alive After Nine Days
Two workers trapped inside a Nepal hydropower tunnel for nine days have been rescued alive, raising fresh hopes for others believed missing after severe flooding across the country.
Two Rescued After Nine Days: A difficult rescue operation in Nepal has brought a major relief as two workers trapped inside a hydropower project tunnel were found alive after spending nine days underground.
The two men were pulled out from the Trishuli Three A Hydropower Project tunnel after floodwaters and mud cut off parts of the facility. The rescued workers were identified as 30 year old Shah, a mechanical foreman with the Nepal Electricity Authority, and 45 year old Amir Maharjan, a supervisor at the project.
Their survival has given rescue teams and families waiting for news a fresh reason to hope. Officials believe there could still be survivors among those who remain trapped or missing in other hydropower projects affected by the floods.
Around 900 people working across 12 hydropower projects in Nepal are reported to be missing following the flooding. Officials estimate that nearly 500 of them could be inside tunnels, making the ongoing rescue work particularly challenging.
The two workers were in a difficult condition when they were brought out. Officials said both had injuries to their hands and legs. They are believed to have suffered the injuries while moving through the narrow tunnel in an attempt to reach safety.
News of Maharjan’s rescue brought an emotional response from his family. His brother, speaking to the media, said he was extremely happy and described the feeling as being almost unreal.
Rescue operations are continuing at several locations as teams search tunnels and other areas affected by the floods. The successful recovery of the two workers has added urgency to those efforts, particularly as families continue to wait for information about their missing relatives.
The floods have caused widespread disruption in Nepal, with hydropower facilities among the areas badly affected. For the rescue teams, finding two people alive after nine days inside a damaged tunnel has provided a much needed boost as the search continues.
