Nepal Army Deploys Rescue Team To Reach 100 People Trapped Inside Trishuli 3A Tunnel

Nepal Army rescue teams were using drilling equipment on Saturday to reach more than 100 people believed to be trapped inside a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in Rasuwa, three days after devastating floods struck the site. Authorities have intensified efforts to clear the tunnel entrance and locate a route into the structure, as rescue operations continue under difficult weather conditions. The Nepalese government said rescuers were working to free people trapped inside the hydropower project's tunnel. The Prime Minister's Office said efforts to clear the entrance had been intensified from early Saturday morning.

The operation involves drilling and excavation equipment, with rescuers attempting to reach the outer section of the tunnel and create access to those still believed to be inside. Photographs released by the Prime Minister's Office showed workers moving through thick, churned mud and navigating large boulders deposited by the floods. The debris has significantly complicated efforts to approach the tunnel entrance, while continuing adverse weather has added another layer of risk for personnel working at the site. Rescue teams have had to operate in unstable and difficult terrain while trying to remove material blocking access.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, 82 personnel from the Nepal Army and police were involved in excavating the tunnel entrance on Saturday. The teams were using drilling machines and other equipment as they worked through the debris. Officials described the rescue operation as “extremely challenging” because of the weather conditions, underscoring the risks faced by those attempting to reach the trapped workers and other individuals. The rescue effort began after severe flooding hit the hydropower project earlier in the week.

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On Thursday, the Prime Minister's Office said Nepal Army personnel had already rescued around 350 people from the site despite operating under “extremely risky” conditions. However, more than 100 people were still believed to be trapped inside the tunnel, prompting authorities to continue the operation despite the hazardous environment. The scale of the debris left behind by the floods has made the operation particularly difficult. Large rocks, mud and other material have blocked access routes, requiring rescue personnel to excavate the area before they can advance towards the tunnel.

The use of drilling equipment is aimed at helping teams penetrate or clear obstructed sections while reducing the time needed to manually remove the material. Authorities have continued to prioritise the rescue of those trapped inside the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project as Nepal deals with the wider impact of the floods. The rescue teams face a race against time while weather conditions remain unfavourable and access to the tunnel remains severely restricted. With more than 100 people still believed to be inside, the Nepal Army and police are continuing excavation and drilling operations in an effort to establish access and bring them to safety.

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