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Nepal rescue teams search flood debris after two hydropower workers found alive

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Newswire Named sources Ongoing story
  • Nepalese rescuers expanded searches after two hydropower workers were pulled alive from a blocked tunnel nine days after floods and landslides struck the China-Nepal border.
  • Authorities said 1,325 people had died and 5,584 remained missing in Nepal and China, while at least 12 hydropower projects were destroyed.
  • Nepal’s prime minister promised safer, more comfortable accommodation for thousands of displaced people living in relief camps.

The rescue of two hydropower workers after nine days trapped in mud has given Nepal’s emergency teams fresh determination as they search through debris from a disaster that has killed at least 1,325 people in Nepal and China.

We have been working since morning on search and rescue operations.

· Raja Ram BasnetThe Nepal Army spokesman described the continuing rescue effort.

The men were among hundreds of hydropower workers who disappeared after a tsunami-like wall of water and mud swept across the China-Nepal border following a massive glacial and rock collapse on Aug. 26. Nepal’s disaster agency said 1,294 bodies had been recovered, while 5,053 people remained missing. Chinese state media reported 31 deaths and 531 missing people.

Searches continued at the Trishuli 3A tunnel, where the two men were found, and at several other sites. At least 12 hydropower projects were destroyed. Nepal Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said teams had been working since morning and that operations were continuing in the tunnels.

Work is also underway at the tunnels. We don't have an update yet, but the work goes on.

· Raja Ram BasnetBasnet said rescuers were still searching blocked tunnels.

The government initially believed more than 100 workers could still be alive inside several tunnels. Rescuers described the recovery of the two mud-covered men as a miracle. They were taken to hospital and were in stable condition. Experts from India, China, Australia and South Korea joined Nepali teams in the search.

Safe and comfortable accommodation

· Balendra ShahNepal’s prime minister promised better accommodation for people displaced by the disaster.

With morgues full, Nepal Police said around 1,030 bodies had been buried in mass graves after DNA samples were taken for possible identification. Prime Minister Balendra Shah promised displaced residents in temporary camps “safe and comfortable accommodation,” acknowledging that camp life was difficult and promising to create conditions in which they could rebuild their futures.

We know that staying there (camps) is not easy for you. (But) we will once again create an environment where you can dream about and build your future.

· Balendra ShahThe prime minister addressed people living in temporary relief camps.
About this summary

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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