Rescue crews scour Chilime hydropower tunnels for trapped victims in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal – Emergency personnel are methodically searching the subterranean tunnels of the Chilime hydropower project after a sudden incident left several workers unaccounted for, Al Jazeera reported. The operation, launched early on Saturday, involves local fire brigades, army engineers and specialized cave‑rescue volunteers who are equipped with breathing apparatus, portable lighting and hydraulic lifting gear.

According to Al Jazeera, the incident occurred during routine maintenance when part of the tunnel infrastructure gave way, trapping personnel inside the confined space. Initial assessments suggest that the collapse may have been triggered by a combination of heavy monsoon rains and the region’s seismic vulnerability, though investigators have not released an official cause report. Rescue teams have so far recovered two injured workers and continue to probe deeper sections for additional survivors.

The Chilime plant, situated about 50 kilometres east of Kathmandu, supplies roughly 7 percent of Nepal’s national electricity demand. Its network of pressure shafts and penstocks runs through rugged terrain, making any emergency response logistically demanding. Officials have temporarily halted power generation at the site to prioritize safety, and the Ministry of Energy has pledged to conduct a thorough safety audit before operations resume.

Hydropower is the backbone of Nepal’s energy strategy, accounting for over 90 percent of installed capacity. The country’s ambitious push to expand renewable generation has led to the construction of dozens of similar projects in remote, landslide‑prone valleys. Past incidents, such as the 2022 tunnel breach at the Tamakoshi plant that claimed three lives, underscore the inherent risks of building and maintaining underground infrastructure in the Himalayas. Rescue efforts in such environments are complicated by narrow passages, limited ventilation and the constant threat of aftershocks, which can further destabilise compromised structures.

Families of the missing workers have gathered at the plant’s headquarters, awaiting updates from the command centre. Local authorities have urged residents to stay clear of the site, citing safety concerns and the need to keep rescue routes unobstructed. The situation remains fluid, and officials have promised regular briefings as the search progresses.