‘We Heard Voices Inside the Tunnel but Waited for Visual Confirmation Before Publicizing’

Following the Bhote Koshi flood, two technicians trapped in the underground structure of the Upper Trishuli-3A Hydroelectric Project have been rescued alive. Throughout the rescue operation, the team had to repeatedly revise their plans due to tunnel conditions, water and silt pressure, large boulders, and limited equipment. Geotechnical engineer Udayaraj Nyaupane voluntarily joined the field efforts, managing the technical aspects of the rescue using his own and gathered tools.

During the operation, the tunnel’s condition—with water and silt pressure, obstacles from large rocks and the structure itself, and the scarcity of equipment—forced the team to adapt their strategy multiple times. Nyaupane remarked, “After the disaster, I was contemplating how best to contribute aid.” He made the decision to bring his own equipment to the site.

While there was an expectation that someone might still be alive inside the tunnel, the exact situation was unknown. Nyaupane noted, “It was observed that the upper area of the tunnel was free from water and had some empty space.” The Nepal Electricity Authority had informed that 42 people were present there.

The team selected the cable duct for the rescue because draining efforts confirmed that the cable tunnel extended to the upper section. Nyaupane explained, “If there were people inside, the likelihood was higher that they would be in the upper part.” The operation involved battling water pressure and large boulders. Ultimately, upon finding two survivors, Nyaupane said, “That was a moment of immense relief.”