Miraculous Escapes: Survivors’ Harrowing Tales from Nepal’s Devastating Hydro Tunnel Floods

POLICY WIRE — Kathmandu, Nepal — In the heart of Nepal’s Trishuli river, a group of hydro power workers faced a life-or-death struggle as floodwaters, concrete, and debris surged through the tunnels they were working in. Ram Chandra, one of the survivors, clung to a metal rung on the tunnel’s roof, a decision that likely saved his life. Alongside his colleagues, he navigated the treacherous conditions for six hours, using a tin sheet for footing as they moved forward.

The flood, triggered by a massive deluge from the mountains, traveled 100 kilometers downstream, causing widespread destruction and claiming hundreds of lives. Over 900 workers remain missing, with 279 rescued from the mud-filled tunnels. Rescue teams at the Trishuli 3A hydropower plant worked tirelessly, drilling holes to provide air and food to potential survivors trapped within.

Madan Singh Budha, another survivor, described the moment the flood hit as he was leaving his shift. He and others climbed to safety, but many were not as fortunate. The search for missing colleagues has been fraught with despair, as families await news of their loved ones. Amar Bista, a local tour guide, has been instrumental in the rescue efforts, though he admits the reality of the situation is bleak.

The disaster has deeply affected the close-knit communities from which the workers hail, with many losing relatives and friends. The survivors, some dressed in borrowed clothes, are now returning to their homes, carrying the weight of their experiences and the hope of finding their missing comrades.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)