‘Search and rescue operation to continue in tunnels’

Kathmandu / Sept 7: The Nepali Army (NA) asserted that it will continue with search and rescue operations inside tunnels of flood-damaged hydropower projects until a breakthrough is achieved and unless the government decides otherwise.

The NA estimates that as many as 121 people could be trapped inside tunnels of various hydropower projects affected by the recent Bhotekoshi flood and thus intensifies efforts to locate them and bring them to safety.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) here today, NA Brigadier General Subash Jung Thapa shared that the rescue teams are carrying out continuous searches inside the tunnels.

The NA personnel alongside the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project representatives have reached the damaged powerhouses and ‘control point’ while searching for possible survivors.

Speaking in the press meet, NA Spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet said the rescue operation has been divided into three areas-air, ground and tunnel search joining forces with other security agencies at home.

Foreign rescue teams have also arrived Nepal for post disaster search and rescue efforts, informed Spokesperson Basnet, adding that 45 Army personnel are also missing following the disaster.

On the occasion, NDRRMA Executive Chief Dr Dharma Raj Uprety said relief had reached most affected areas, while efforts were continuing to deliver food and other essential supplies to places accessible only by helicopter.

He said the government has mobilized security personnel round-the-clock for search, rescue and relief operations.

It may be noted that an unprecedented flood in Bhotekoshi river in Rasuwa district had occurred on August 26, claiming scores of lives and damaging massive property. RSS