Rescue Teams Drill Into Hydroelectric Tunnels as Nepal Searches for Missing Workers

Heavy monsoon rains have swollen rivers across Nepal, turning several hydroelectric facilities into disaster zones. In the wake of the flooding, rescue crews have begun drilling into the concrete tunnels that house the power plant’s interior, hoping to locate a group of workers who went missing when water inundated the site.

The operation, coordinated by the Nepali army alongside local emergency services, focuses on a stretch of tunnel that connects the plant’s intake channel to its main turbine hall. Early reports suggest that the workers were inside the tunnel system when the floodwaters surged, cutting off their exit routes. Because the tunnel entrances are now submerged and debris‑blocked, rescuers are using portable drilling rigs to create new access points.

Army engineers have set up a temporary command post near the plant’s perimeter, directing both manual and mechanised excavation efforts. Teams are rotating in short shifts to maintain a continuous push, while medical personnel stand ready to treat any injuries that may arise once the trapped individuals are reached. The drilling is being carried out with caution to avoid further destabilising the tunnel structure, which could complicate the rescue.

Local officials have urged nearby communities to stay clear of the area, warning that after‑shocks from the ongoing flood could pose additional hazards. Meanwhile, the broader rescue mission continues across the region, with boats and helicopters deployed to assist residents displaced by the rising waters.

The situation remains fluid, and officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of workers involved. However, the combined effort of the army, civil defense, and volunteer groups underscores Nepal’s commitment to a swift and safe recovery for those caught in the flood‑damaged hydroelectric complex.