How engineers in a WhatsApp group are guiding Nepal’s flood rescue efforts
Summary
Engineers in a WhatsApp group are helping Nepali rescue workers search tunnels at flooded hydropower plants in the Trishuli valley after a massive flash flood. The disaster has left more than 4,000 people missing and wiped out about 10% of Nepal’s power generation capacity.
Key Points
- Engineers set up a WhatsApp group before the August 26 flash flood and are now using it to guide rescue efforts at damaged hydropower plants.
- Rescue workers are searching tunnel networks at Chilime, Rasuwagadhi and other plants, where dozens may still be trapped.
- The flood deposited 2.2 million tonnes of mud and debris, making tunnel access difficult and altering the terrain around the plants.
- Nepal’s power sector has suffered major losses, with the flood wiping out about 10% of the country’s generation capacity.
