Nepal Water and Energy Development Company leads rescue after flood at Upper Trishuli-1 site

KATHMANDU: Nepal Water and Energy Development Company is leading search and rescue operations after a catastrophic flood swept through the Trishuli River on August 26. The flood originated from the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa district and severely affected the under-construction 216 MW Upper Trishuli-1 Hydroelectric Project.

Authorities have confirmed 39 people dead and 439 still missing. So far, 877 people have been rescued, and 78 others have been contacted, officials said. About 1,433 personnel were working at the project site when the disaster struck; the workforce included citizens of Nepal, Korea, China, India and other countries.

The developer said employees of consultant Tractable-Jade JV, Korean firm Doosan, civil sub-contractor Power China and electromechanical contractor Andritz Hydro were among those at the site.

The flood caused extensive destruction across the area, overturning a truck from the dam site towards the main tunnel and destroying the access road, forcing the use of helicopters for relief and rescue work. Severe terrain challenges have hampered ground access.

A joint rescue mission involving the Nepali Army, the Armed Police Force, Nepal (APF Nepal), Nepal Police, Korean specialists and the project team has been active since the incident. Trained dogs, mountaineering rescue units and other skilled personnel have been mobilised to increase the effectiveness of the search. Rescuers are removing mud and debris to reach people who may be trapped inside underground structures, tunnels and the powerhouse, while also searching outer surfaces, cliffs and nearby villages.

To support operations, the developer has airlifted mini excavators, generators and gas-cutting equipment to the site to clear debris and cut iron rods. Clearing work is underway at the project’s site office and staff camp in Mailung and in the upper bank area of access tunnel-3. A technical team is inspecting the condition of the main access tunnel, the dam and the underground powerhouse.

Recovered bodies have been airlifted to the Nepali Army camp in Bidur, Nuwakot district, for identification. The developer is providing bereavement expenses as preliminary relief to assist families with final rites according to their customs. The company said it is maintaining regular communication with families of the missing to provide updates, counselling and psychosocial support, and is taking part in government war room meetings to coordinate logistical needs.

Nepal Water and Energy Development Company said, "We express our commitment to further strengthen coordination and collaboration with relevant government bodies and stakeholders whilst maximally mobilising all available resources, tools, technology, and personnel. The company is continuously making efforts by adopting all possible measures for the search and rescue of the missing individuals."