39 bodies recovered as search intensifies at Upper Trishuli-1 hydel project

KATHMANDU: Search and rescue operations at the 216 MW Upper Trishuli-1 Hydroelectric Project have intensified following the devastating Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood.  Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed the recovery of 39 bodies from the upper section of the Adit-3 access tunnel. Heavy equipment has been deployed to clear debris and expand access.

A total of 439 individuals remain unaccounted for out of the approximately 1,433 personnel working at the site during the disaster. So far, 877 people have been safely rescued, while 78 others have made contact independently.

To facilitate the ongoing response, a temporary camp has been established at Adit-3. A 46-member joint task force comprising 31 Nepali Army personnel, five from the Armed Police Force, Nepal (APF Nepal), five from the Nepal Police, and five company representatives is leading the ground operations. They are supported daily by four drone teams, four Sherpa teams, three mountain rescue units, two canine search units, and two photographic identification teams.

The Nepali Army is coordinating the overarching response alongside APF Nepal, the Nepal Police, the Nepal Water and Energy Development Company (NWEDC), and contracting firm representatives. A strategic meeting held on September 12 in Battar brought together military officials, NWEDC management, Korean firm Doosan, and civil sub-contractor Power China to outline future steps and equipment deployment.

"We have further intensified the search efforts following the meeting in Battar," said Giriraj Adhikari, Chief Technical Director of NWEDC. "We are continuously assessing the risks and advancing the search operation by reaching as far upstream as possible inside the tunnel."

Adit-3 is situated near the midpoint of the 10-kilometre main headrace tunnel, where rescue crews have already progressed 1,300 metres upstream from the access point. However, progress has been complicated by displaced heavy machinery, including a massive gantry formwork originally located 1,600 metres from Adit-3 that was swept downstream by floodwaters.

"The gantry formwork was at a distance of about 1,600 metres from Adit-3. It is estimated that the flood current pushed it about 300 metres downstream. In that same area, the work of installing the rebar mesh before concreting in the tunnel was underway," Technical Director Adhikari said.

Beyond this structure, responders face an estimated 12 feet of thick mud and sludge, alongside large stones, tree logs, and other debris. On September 13, an excavator was utilised to clear a section of the tunnel blocked by an overturned loader and truck, clearing sludge across a 600-metre stretch to open a vital access route. Clearance efforts initially concentrated around the camp area, where two mini excavators continue to operate.

The current phase of the operation goes beyond simply clearing physical obstructions, as teams simultaneously evaluate structural risks and geological conditions.

Giriraj Adhikari said, "The forthcoming efforts will be focused on advancing inside the tunnel to identify the actual state of the obstructions, safely managing the potential risks, and making the search more effective."

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