India sends technical team to assist rescue of workers trapped in Nepal hydropower tunnels

India dispatched an 11-member technical team of doctors, paramedics and tunnel engineers that carried out an on-site reconnaissance of hydropower tunnels in flood-affected Nuwakot district on Saturday and conducted an aerial survey of the Chilime and Langtang areas before beginning rescue operations, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said.

The specialised contingent, which includes tunnel experts, arrived in Nepal with equipment to assist in search and rescue operations targeting workers trapped in hydropower tunnels following Wednesday's flash floods that swept through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors. Many workers are believed to be trapped inside tunnels linked to the Upper Trishuli-1 and Trishuli-3A hydropower projects in Rasuwa district near the Nepal-Tibet border.

Multi-pronged relief operation

A fourth Indian relief flight carrying 11 tonnes of assistance landed in Nepal on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs said. The consignment included a tunnel technical contingent with equipment for search and rescue operations, forensic experts for DNA analysis, and relief supplies comprising blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulin, plastic sheets and hygiene kits.

India has provided a total of 68.5 tonnes of relief materials to flood-hit Nepal and sent technical teams, forensic experts and equipment to assist in search and rescue operations, the Indian embassy said. Nepal had sought foreign expertise for DNA testing, forensic work and other specialised tasks following the disaster.

Bridge restoration efforts underway

Sixteen trucks carrying equipment for a 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge have arrived in Nepal, the embassy said. Equipment for installation of seven more Bailey bridges will be supplied soon, with technical teams for their installation expected to arrive shortly, it added.

Nepal has sought assistance from India and China for the construction of 42 Bailey bridges to restore transport links in the flood-hit areas. The portable bridges can be assembled quickly without heavy machinery or specialised tools.

Challenging rescue conditions

An 82-member joint security team comprising personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police has been working since Friday night to clear debris and reach people believed to be trapped inside the tunnel. Nepali security forces have so far rescued 191 workers from tunnels at various hydropower projects in the country, according to the Nepal Army.

The rescue efforts have been complicated by mud and debris blocking tunnel entrances and adverse weather conditions. The flash floods killed hundreds and caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, settlements and hydropower infrastructure.

Source: The Hindu