Hundreds feared trapped in hydropower tunnels after Bhotekoshi flood
Summary
Hundreds of hydropower workers are feared trapped in tunnels and underground powerhouses after a catastrophic flood in Nepal’s Trishuli corridor. Rescue teams, including the Nepali Army, are struggling to reach blocked sites as roads, bridges and tunnel entrances have been washed away or buried.
Key Points
- The flood in Nepal’s Trishuli corridor has left hundreds of hydropower workers feared trapped in tunnels and underground powerhouses.
- The Nepali Army and technical teams are conducting rescue operations, but damaged roads, buried tunnel entrances and washed-away bridges are slowing access.
- IPPAN says 934 people linked to 11 hydropower projects remain unaccounted for, while the Energy Ministry says more than 100 people may still be trapped inside tunnels.
- The disaster has shut down about 430MW of hydropower capacity and caused billions of rupees in damage, though domestic electricity supply is not yet affected.
