Rescuers descend by rope to search for survivors in Nepal tunnel

A rescuer lowered by rope into a tunnel in Nepal called out to people believed to be trapped underground but received no answer, according to the prime minister’s office.

More than 100 hydropower workers are feared to remain inside tunnels five days after a devastating flood in Nepal and Tibet. At least 933 workers are missing, according to AFP.

At the Upper Trishuli 3A hydropower plant, teams have drilled air holes and sent food into the tunnels in the hope of supporting survivors. They found an entrance over the weekend and have been drilling, digging and blasting to create a hole about 60 centimetres wide.

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After descending through the opening with ropes, they called out to those down there, but received no answer.

A video released by the Nepalese army showed a helmeted rescuer in climbing gear descending through the opening. Heavy machinery and blasting are being used to widen the route, while crews clear debris from the tunnel entrance. Rescuers equipped with oxygen tanks and cameras will be sent in when conditions allow.

Authorities believe the workers may be about 180 metres inside the tunnel. Rescue services, police, the army and search-dog teams are involved, with specialist tunnel-rescue units from India, China and South Korea providing assistance. Similar operations are under way at other hydropower projects along the Trishuli River. One rescued worker, Surendra Dowluri, said five workers escaped at the Upper Trishuli 1 plant, while one died.

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We heard a very loud sound and saw that the turbine area was flooded with sludge and that six workers were trapped there.