Six people are feared trapped inside the tunnel of the Chilime Hydropower Project, operated by the Nepal Electricity Authority, but they have yet to be rescued even six days after the devastating Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood.
According to Baburaja Maharjan, managing director of the Chilime Hydropower Project, efforts have been made to rescue those believed to be trapped inside the tunnel, but the operation has not yet been successful.
"We lack equipment, and there is only a small space near the tunnel entrance – only about 15 meters wide. It is impossible to take equipment inside through there," he said.
Employees are suspected to be trapped inside the project's underground powerhouse.
An Indian rescue team conducted a survey of the Chilime project only on the third day after the flooding.
Following the survey, a mountaineering rescue team was also deployed by helicopter in an effort to reach those trapped. The team managed to enter around 90 meters into the tunnel but could not proceed further because the passage beyond that point was filled with mud and debris, according to the project.
The project said that pumps to remove mud, generators, and other equipment needed to clear the obstruction are required for the rescue operation. However, it has not been possible to transport the equipment by other helicopters.
The project said that it has requested the Nepal Army to arrange for the equipment to be transported by an Mi-17 helicopter.
