Government Focuses on Tunnel Rescue After Flood
Summary
The government has intensified rescue efforts in hydropower project tunnels seven days after the BhoteKoshi-Trishuli flood, as families and promoters accuse authorities of delaying permission for private teams to join the operation. At least 279 people near the tunnels have been rescued, while 900 employees from 11 projects are reported out of contact.
Key Points
- Rescue operations in hydropower tunnels were intensified seven days after the BhoteKoshi-Trishuli flood.
- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and the Nepali Army say rescue work has been ongoing since day one, but geography and blocked tunnel entrances slowed progress.
- IPPAN says about 900 employees from 11 hydropower projects went out of contact, while 361 people have been rescued so far.
- Project promoters and relatives accuse the government of delaying permission for private helicopters, engineers, and equipment to join the rescue.
