Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Flood: ‘People May Be Trapped Inside the Powerhouse Tunnels’ – Kulman Ghising
Photo Source, Nepal Army/Handout via REUTERS
The floods along the Bhote Koshi and lower Trishuli rivers have destroyed hydropower facilities in the region, and it is estimated that many people could be trapped, especially inside tunnels within these power plants.
Prime Minister Balindra Shah stated that the government remains “focused on search and rescue operations” in the flood-affected areas.
Kulman Ghising, the former Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority who played a leading role in hydropower development in the area, indicated that many individuals might still be trapped inside the structural tunnels of the powerhouses. Ghising has also previously served as a minister in the interim government post-Jan Andolan movement.
How Many Could Be Trapped Inside?
Getty images
People working inside the tunnels usually stay in the powerhouse. If they have oxygen, they might survive…
According to Ghising, rescue efforts might reach structures inside, beyond the tunnel pathways of the hydropower projects.
After inspecting the area on Bhadra 14 (Nepali calendar date) post-flood, he estimated that many individuals remain trapped within the tunnel structures of these hydropower plants.
“Reports indicate nearly 12 people are trapped inside the powerhouse tunnel of the Rasuwa Gadhi project, about 6 in Chilime, and approximately 25 in the Langtang project,” Ghising revealed.
“At Upper Trishuli 1, thousands are involved in construction work, and reports say nearly 300 are uncontactable inside tunnels. Around 20-25 Nepal Electricity Authority staff and maintenance technicians are said to be in the Trishuli 3A tunnel. Similarly, there are also people trapped in Trishuli 3B,” he added.
Rescue Potential and Challenges
“Some rescue operations have taken place within these tunnel areas. I recently inspected the tunnels myself three days ago and discussed rescue possibilities with the army and rescue teams,” Ghising said.
Addressing reports on Monday that the army had accessed the Rasuwa Gadhi tunnel but found no one, he commented, “Although they entered the tunnel, they couldn’t reach the powerhouse; it was reported to be ‘locked’. However, those trapped inside might actually be in the powerhouse itself. Powerhouses are large buildings.”
“Inside, there are living spaces and rooms. People do not stay along the tunnel access routes—so it can’t be said that no one is inside the tunnels. People may be inside the powerhouse itself.”
“Those working in the tunnels typically live in the powerhouse. The structures have up to four levels. After the flood, they may have moved above the machine floor. Current observations show the tunnels are half-filled with water and sediment. If they’re receiving oxygen, they might survive.”
Photo Source, Reuters
“Efforts are ongoing to reach the inner parts of Chilime, but have not succeeded yet,” Ghising said.
“To be honest, no rescue team has yet reached the spots inside any tunnel where people might be trapped. The delay is partly due to lack of resources and experience,” he explained.
He noted that insufficient planning and lack of prior preparation have also affected rescue efforts.
“Key former project leaders and technicians should have been immediately summoned to assist with rescue. That could have sped things up. We are currently relying on our own resources, but this needs to be a planned operation.”
“Quick collaboration with foreign experts could have helped develop a plan rapidly. But manpower alone is not enough. Tools are needed to remove sediment, clear obstructions, and drain water. Excavators must be airlifted by helicopter.”
He further reported that pumps and diesel generators have been brought to Chilime to remove sediment and aid rescue efforts.
“Therefore, planning to deliver not only manpower but also essential tools and materials is crucial. It would have been ideal to start this the day after the flood, but many helicopters were occupied with ongoing rescue missions.”
“Now, the utmost priority must be on accelerating the rescue operations,” he emphasized.
We also provide content on YouTube and other social media platforms. Please subscribe to the channel and watch our latest programs. Additionally, our radio program airs every Monday to Friday at 8:45 PM.