Rescue team locates Trishuli 3A tunnel entrance, prepares to send in oxygen and cameras

Rescue teams have located the entrance to the tunnel at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project, where around 40 workers are believed to be trapped following flooding in the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli corridor.

The rescue team reached the tunnel portal on Sunday and is clearing the entrance before sending rescuers inside with oxygen and cameras. The equipment will help assess conditions inside and locate the trapped workers.

The tunnel entrance was found about eight meters below a vertical access point, according to tunnel expert and lawmaker Shriram Neupane, who is involved in the rescue effort. Rescuers estimate they will need to travel around 180 meters from the portal to reach the suspected worksite.

The Nepal Electricity Authority, Nepal Army and technical experts are leading the operation, with Indian and Chinese rescue teams also deployed at flood-hit hydropower projects in the region. However, only Nepali personnel are involved in the Trishuli 3A tunnel, according to reports.

Rescue efforts are underway at Trishuli 3A, Upper Trishuli 3B, Upper Trishuli 1 and Chilime hydropower projects. Eleven workers have already been rescued from Upper Trishuli 3B, while operations continue at the other sites.