Nepal Floods: 63 Indians Rescued From Hydropower Tunnel

An unprecedented flash flood has swept through the Nepal – Tibet border on Wednesday and killed more than 500 people. Hundreds of tourists and local residents are not yet traceable. Many Indians are still missing as rescue operations continue.

In what could a sigh of relief, dozens of Indian workers have been safely pulled out of an underground hydropower tunnel which faced the ire of the floods.

Out of around 350 people evacuated by search teams so far, 63 are Indian nationals employed at the project. However, over 100 individuals remain stuck inside the mud-filled tunnel at the Trishuli hydropower project in Rasuwa district, where emergency teams are on a mission to save those who are inside.

Water and heavy mud rushed into the tunnel, cutting off access points and stranding hundreds of workers inside. Military helicopters and specialized ground teams are using heavy equipment to locate entry points and bring out those who are still trapped.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that along with the 63 project workers, dozens of other Indian citizens like tourists have been safely evacuated.

Indian authorities are closely coordinating with officials in Nepal to track remaining missing persons and for safe return of all Indian nationals stranded in the flood torn country.