Two Workers Rescued Alive From Nepal Hydropower Tunnel After 10 Days

Kathmandu — The rescue of two workers who survived for 10 days inside a flood-hit hydropower project in Nepal has brought relief to their families and renewed hope for others still searching for missing relatives.

Kabir Maharajan, 45, a supervisor at the Upper Trishuli 3A hydropower project, and Sanjaya Sah, 30, a foreman, were rescued alive Friday morning after being trapped following devastating floods that struck the Trishuli and Bhotekoshi river corridors on Aug. 26.

Maharajan’s younger brother, Amir Maharajan, said the family had spent 10 days anxiously waiting for news while closely following television reports, social media and other sources.

“We are extremely happy that my elder brother, who had been missing for 10 days, has been rescued alive. The happiness this has brought to our family is beyond words and impossible to express,” Amir said.

Kabir was taken to the Nepal Army Hospital in Chhauni, Kathmandu, for treatment. His family briefly saw him as he was brought into the hospital.

“We saw him briefly while he was being taken into the hospital. His condition appears to be fine,” Amir said.

The family had last spoken with Kabir shortly before the floods. Amir said the days that followed were filled with uncertainty as relatives waited together for any information about his whereabouts.

“The following 10 days were extremely painful and uncertain for us. We lost both sleep and appetite,” he said. “We kept following the media, Facebook and various sources for information and updates.”

The breakthrough came around 8:30 a.m. Friday, when the family learned that one worker had been rescued from the tunnel. Soon afterward, officials confirmed that Kabir had also been brought out alive.

“After the long and difficult 10-day wait, the entire family is filled with happiness to have my brother back safe and sound,” Amir said.

Sah’s wife, Laxmi Kumari Sah, also expressed relief after learning that her husband had survived.

“I am very happy about the rescue of my husband, and it has brought happiness to all my family members,” she said.

The rescues have raised hopes that others may still be alive in areas affected by the floods. According to a video circulated on social media, Sah said three or four people remained in his unit, while more than 40 people had left the tunnel following the disaster.

Nepal Police said at least 1,295 people had been killed in the floods and 4,898 remained out of contact as of 2 p.m. Friday.

The flooding caused extensive damage to hydropower plants and other infrastructure along the Trishuli and Bhotekoshi corridors. The Independent Power Producers’ Association said Thursday that 945 people working at 11 flood-affected hydropower projects remained out of contact.

Maharajan’s family thanked the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force specialists and other rescue teams involved in the search.

“On behalf of our family, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Nepal Army, expert teams from the Armed Police Force, rescuers and everyone else who was directly or indirectly involved in the search and rescue operation,” Amir said. (Source: IANS)