Author: space4knews

September 14, Kathmandu – Due to exceptionally delayed government approval, rescue teams from India and China commenced search-and-rescue operations inside flood-affected tunnels only five days after the disaster struck.

The Rasuwa flood is estimated to have trapped approximately 600 individuals in various hydropower project tunnels, yet Nepal has been unable to conduct successful rescues thus far.

Despite repeated requests, hydropower projects state that the government has not yet managed to rescue employees and workers trapped inside the tunnels.

Since Sunday, rescue operations have begun in the Chilime, Upper Trishuli-1, and Langtang hydropower projects. Although the tunnel of the Upper Trishuli-3 A project was located on Sunday, rescue has not yet started there despite five days since the flood.

Experts warn that the government’s unusual delay has put those trapped inside the tunnels at significant risk.

According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Chinese rescue team dispatched for the Rasuwa flood is engaged in rescue operations at the 216 MW capacity Upper Trishuli-1 (UT-1) project.

This rescue operation was coordinated with the Chinese contractor China Railway, with a 9-member team deployed in the affected area, the ministry added.

UT-1 is the largest hydropower project under construction in the Trishuli corridor, where rescue efforts began only on Sunday.

Approximately 600 people remain out of contact at this site; project CEO Giriraj Adhikari of Nepal Water and Energy estimates that about 400 of them are trapped inside the tunnels.

Around 260 individuals, including 10 Koreans, have been rescued from the affected areas, but rescuing those still stuck inside the tunnels remains unfeasible, Adhikari stated.

It is estimated that 300 workers are trapped in the tunnel along with 100 more working at the headworks.

The Chinese embassy in Nepal confirmed that a second Chinese rescue team arrived in Nepal on Sunday morning; however, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not disclosed where this team has been deployed.

Similarly, the government announced the deployment of an 11-member Indian team for rescue operations at the Chilime Hydropower Project.

Of six individuals trapped inside the Chilime tunnel, two bodies have already been recovered by a joint Indian and Nepali army rescue team.

The Indian team includes doctors, paramedics, and tunnel engineers, and an additional 22-member Indian Army unit has also been dispatched for rescue work.

The initial team conducted aerial surveys over Chilime and Langtang areas via helicopter on Saturday.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the Indian expert team, along with an 82-member joint security team of the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, has started work using advanced equipment to clear the tunnels and rescue those trapped inside.

Along with the rescue teams, the Indian government has provided Nepal with relief materials including portable generators, food, water purification tablets, and medicines.

On Saturday, mountaineering rescue specialists were sent via Summit Air helicopter, though they have yet to become effective in rescuing those trapped.

Upon reaching approximately 100 meters inside the tunnel, they found it completely filled with ice, noting that special equipment and expert teams are needed for excavation. This prompted the deployment of the Indian expert team.

Meanwhile, the South Korean rescue team has also arrived in Nepal as confirmed by Foreign Secretary Amrit Rai, but the team has yet to be deployed to the field.

The UK government has announced the dispatch of its Rapid Deployment Team (RDT) to Nepal. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said this team will work in coordination with Nepali officials and the British Embassy, focusing particularly on rescuing British citizens.

Sources report that the British team has arrived in Nepal and is ready to assist British citizens if necessary.

Although the UK communicated plans to send rescuers earlier, they only arrived after the government indicated a need, according to sources.

Similarly, Australia had offered to send rescue teams but could not deploy them due to Nepal government delays in granting permission.

Foreign governments have cited difficulty obtaining permission from Nepal as the main barrier, which is why foreign rescue teams only reached limited areas on the fifth day after the devastating flood.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies any delay in granting permission to foreign teams.

Nepali rescuers and experts have acknowledged Nepal’s limited capacity for tunnel rescues.

An official from Nepal Electricity Authority remarked, “No rescue inside the tunnels for five days shows the lack of required skills, capabilities, and equipment in Nepal. Foreign experts and equipment should have been brought promptly but were not.”

Nepal Engineers’ Association President Suvaschandra Baral emphasized that the government’s delay in the rescue effort has led to severe consequences and urgent intervention is necessary.

Baral said, “It only takes 2–3 hours by flight to bring rescuers and necessary equipment from India and China, but the government made a grave mistake by not doing so immediately. The delay in rescue could cost many lives.”

He further criticized the government for significant delays in deploying Nepali manpower and equipment.

“Nepal Engineers Association repeatedly warned about government negligence in the rescue effort, but no effective action was taken,” Baral added.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that foreign rescue teams from India and China were brought in because Nepali rescuers were unable to operate effectively. Offers of assistance also came from other countries, and Nepal is prepared to accept help as needed.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that 599 foreign nationals remain missing due to the Rasuwa flood, with 261 people rescued alive, including 167 Indians and 40 Chinese.

September 14, Kathmandu – Rescue operations for 25 individuals trapped inside the Langtang Hydropower Project tunnel following the Bhote Koshi flood began only after five days, according to government sources.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, their team conducted reconnaissance of the tunnel on Sunday evening. Promoter Vijayman Bhattarai said the government has assigned rescue operations solely to the Nepal Army, excluding the company from participating.

Experts have noted that the delay caused by the government not allowing the company to join rescue efforts is making the survival chances of those trapped increasingly slim. The promoters claim that the lack of permission for their involvement contributed to delays in the rescue work.

The Langtang Khola Hydropower Project, a private sector construction, still has 41 people unaccounted for. Bhattarai, who is also secretary of the Independent Power Producers Association Nepal (IPPAN), said 19 of the total 60 workers have been rescued so far. Those missing were working in the powerhouse, camp, and tunnel areas.

“Out of 60 missing persons, 19 have been rescued and 41 remain unaccounted for,” he stated. “They were scattered between the powerhouse, camp, and tunnel zones.”

A joint team of the Nepal Army and an Indian counterpart has been deployed, and search and rescue operations were conducted in the tunnel on Sunday. A team of approximately 12 to 15 personnel removed accumulated water, mud, and debris from inside the tunnel in their search.

However, rescue efforts paused after nightfall and are scheduled to restart at 7 a.m. Monday. “There is a lot of water and mud inside the tunnel. The army has cleared the area today, but the darkness ended the operation. The rescue will resume at 7 a.m. tomorrow,” Bhattarai said.

He expressed growing concern about the prospects of rescuing survivors alive. “Five days have passed; it is difficult to carry out a live rescue,” he said. “If we were permitted to work earlier, people could have been saved.”

Bhattarai asserted that if the promoters and technical staff had been involved early in the rescue, live rescues could have been possible.

According to him, the promoters possessed direct knowledge of the site’s geography and the required manpower but were barred from participating in rescue work by the government, citing security reasons.

“If we had been allowed to work, we could have saved the people inside the tunnel. We knew exactly how and from where to conduct the rescue,” he explained.

The government evacuated the 19 rescued persons by helicopter to other locations; however, the company maintains these individuals could have been deployed to aid in further rescue efforts.

The project management had kept these workers safe, but the company claims that after these individuals were airlifted, search and rescue operations for the remaining trapped workers have faced additional difficulties.

“Army Was Given Control, Developers Were Not Allowed to Engage”

Bhattarai explained that the government handed over rescue operations to the Nepal Army and prohibited developers from participating. “The army was assigned; developers were not even allowed on site,” he stated. “After that, no progress was made from our side.”

He added, “There are currently no company employees at the site. The project, which involved millions of rupees in investment, has been submerged due to floods and landslides, yet the rescue team is still not allowed to deploy.”

Bhattarai emphasized that for efficient rescue operations, the company should be provided with local knowledge, technical support, and security personnel.

“If we were given some army support and helicopter assistance and permission to work, we would have found a solution,” he said. “All the people were locals, we knew about 18-19 persons – we could have rescued them.”

Oxygen Conditions Inside Tunnel Are Alarming

Bhattarai highlighted that after the flood and landslide damaged the project’s infrastructure and power supply system, conditions worsened for those trapped inside the tunnel. The tunnel entrance (portal) is blocked by debris and landslide material, limiting oxygen supply.

“The portal is destroyed, so oxygen cannot enter,” he said.

Due to the power outage, the oxygen plant inside the tunnel is non-operational. He noted that only if parts of the tunnel open will fresh air flow in, increasing chances of survival.

“If some openings form, air flow might allow a chance for survival, but if completely sealed, survival is unlikely. The lack of oxygen for such a long time is extremely dangerous,” Bhattarai added. He estimated that the condition of those trapped for four days without food and water is very serious.

Bhattarai further stated that not just Langtang Khola but other flood-affected hydropower projects face similar rescue challenges. He recommended deploying personnel familiar with the local terrain, structures, and tunnels in coordination with security forces for immediate rescue efforts.

September 14, Kathmandu – The recent floods in the Bhote Koshi river have caused extensive damage at Nepal’s major trade gateway with China, Rasuwa Gadhi. The devastating flash floods on September 10 inflicted irreparable losses to lives, property, and national infrastructure.

Thousands remain missing and preliminary estimates put damages in the billions of Nepalese rupees. Government agencies are actively involved in rescue and relief operations.

The districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading were among the hardest hit. This disaster, however, is no longer limited to these areas but has begun to impact the capital region, Kathmandu Valley.

Road Collapse at Krishnabir

The Prithvi Highway, the main route connecting Kathmandu with other parts of the country and external markets (Kathmandu-Muglin section), is completely blocked.

The road collapsed at Krishnabir, under Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality in Dhading district, after the Trishuli River eroded the riverbank. The protective walls constructed along the riverbank were also damaged, resulting in severe road destruction that halted all transport through this route.

Earlier, water had blocked the road near Galchi, and although that obstruction was cleared, just two days later, the road at Krishnabir collapsed again, shutting down the highway.

According to Dr. Vijay Jaisi, Director General of the Department of Roads, a technical team is currently assessing the situation at the landslide site in Krishnabir. He stated, “This is a geologically complex area with the river eroding from below, so decisions will be made only after risk assessments.”

This means an immediate reopening of the highway is unlikely. The road blockage has raised concerns about price hikes and shortages of goods in Kathmandu Valley.

This obstruction has also affected supplies to Kalimati fruit and vegetable market.

Current State of Vegetable Supply

According to data from the Kalimati Vegetable Market Development Committee, supply of vegetables, fruits, and fish declined significantly on Sunday. While Saturday saw 795,241 kilograms of goods supplied, this dropped sharply to just 151,912 kilograms on Sunday.

Information Officer Vinay Shrestha noted that supply of potatoes, onions, and fruits from India and the Terai plains has not been heavily affected yet. He said, “Goods typically arrive between midnight and 6 a.m. With the road blocked, quantities will gradually diminish.”

Since vegetables from nearby areas such as Palung in Dhading, Kavre, Nuwakot, and places inside the valley are still being supplied, short-distance deliveries remain stable. However, if the road remains closed for an extended period, vegetables destined for Kathmandu may need to be rerouted through Pokhara, Butwal, or Narayangadh, which could jeopardize the overall supply chain.

Food Cargo Vehicles Stranded on Highway, Rice Stock Sufficient for Three Months

The supply chain for essential food items has also been disrupted. Hundreds of trucks carrying rice, lentils, cooking oil, and other key materials from India and the Terai plains are stuck on the highway. Nevertheless, business operators have assured there is no immediate shortage of food items in Kathmandu.

Vibhor Agrawal, a member of the Nepal Rice, Oil, and Pulses Industry Association, confirmed adequate stockpiles in Kathmandu warehouses.

He said that there is no problem with rice supply and storage is sufficient for the next two to three months.

Other food industry representatives stated stocks sufficient to last 15 days to a month, so a road closure of 7–10 days is unlikely to severely impact the market.

However, longer closures would directly affect daily wage earners, prompting calls for the government to urgently reopen the roads.

Oil Corporation Prepares to Supply Petroleum and Gas via Alternative Routes

With the main highway into the capital closed, Nepal Oil Corporation has adopted heightened vigilance to supply fuel and cooking gas through alternate routes.

Preparations are underway to transport fuel via alternative routes from Amlekhganj and Hetauda.

NOC Executive Director Nagendra Sah informed that fuel and gas are being brought using alternative routes from Makwanpur (Hetauda).

He explained that the Amlekhganj depot receives fuel directly from India through a pipeline, ensuring no shortage of fuel in Kathmandu.

He further stated that after consulting with gas industry stakeholders, alternative arrangements have been made for gas dealers in Kathmandu and surrounding districts to coordinate with other regionally located gas producers to maintain steady supply.

“Gas cylinders are being refilled and brought into Kathmandu using alternative routes,” he confirmed.

Strict Action to Be Taken Against Black Marketeering and Artificial Shortages

During this sensitive disaster period, the government has urged industries and traders to refrain from black marketing and creating artificial shortages, warning of firm actions against violators.

The Department of Commerce has prioritized food and medicine supply and requested warehouses to relocate from risk-prone areas.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies has held discussions on alternate supply measures and assigned responsibilities to relevant bodies.

According to the ministry, arrangements have been made to deliver food and essential items via small vehicles through alternative routes.

“Government Must Be Vigilant Against Artificial Scarcity and Black Marketeering”

Consumer rights activist Madhav Timalsina emphasized the government must remain alert to prevent artificial shortages and black market activities.

He noted that road closures have sparked consumer fears of shortages and price hikes, and urged the government to ensure an efficient supply system.

He called for the government to regularly update stock levels with organizations such as Salt Trading Corporation, Food Management Company, and trade associations to avoid public panic.

“Salt Trading Corporation alone has six months’ worth of salt, and the government must reassure citizens regarding other food items as well,” he stated.

He also stressed the need for government initiatives to ease supply by adopting alternative routes despite the highway closure.

In such extraordinary circumstances, responsibility must be shared among all stakeholders, and businesses must act with integrity, he added.

“Consumers should also avoid hoarding beyond their needs, and the state apparatus must intensify efforts to manage supply,” he advised.

The disaster has posed challenges not only in technically restoring roads but also in managing the daily lives of millions and economic recovery.

The government carries the responsibility to reopen the obstructed highway and curb elements exploiting the disaster by creating irregularities in the market.

It is hoped that with government vigilance, business honesty, and consumer prudence, this crisis can be managed effectively.

How challenging is managing bodies when a large number are found during disasters?

Keeping bodies safe during disasters is a massive challenge. This is an issue faced by countries worldwide. Under normal circumstances, refrigeration is the most effective method to preserve bodies by slowing decomposition.

However, disasters often cause mass casualties, and when many bodies arrive simultaneously, it becomes impossible to store all in refrigerators.

Nepal’s geography also complicates this; many areas are difficult for rescue teams to reach promptly, which means bodies may begin decomposing before recovery.

Is it true that decomposed bodies cannot be safely kept in refrigerators?

Refrigeration works only if applied before decomposition begins. If bodies are refrigerated promptly, the decomposition process can be delayed or halted temporarily.

Once decomposition starts, placing bodies in refrigerators cannot completely stop this process.

Even when a body is refrigerated after decomposition, the process continues internally. Therefore, storing already decomposed bodies in refrigerators is not the optimal solution in most cases.

Then, how should a large number of decomposed bodies be scientifically managed?

Internationally, temporary burial underground is the recommended method in such cases. When managing mass casualties, bodies should not be haphazardly buried; instead, scientific protocols for temporary burial must be followed.

Before burial, all body details must be documented. Identification information and other records should be compiled. DNA samples must be collected and bodies clearly tagged.

Exact records of burial locations must be maintained. Mapping, possibly including digital or Google mapping, should be conducted to ensure secure and traceable locations.

Why is collecting DNA samples from bodies important?

DNA is the primary basis for identification. In disaster situations, facial recognition may be impossible due to the body’s condition. DNA testing then becomes essential for identifying the deceased.

Hence, before managing bodies, DNA sampling and profiling processes must be initiated. DNA samples should also be collected from relatives of missing persons.

Police or investigative authorities should coordinate the collection of DNA samples from families.

These samples are profiled in laboratories and compared with those from deceased bodies to confirm identity.

Why is it necessary to keep records of burial locations?

After temporary burial, it is crucial to know exactly where each body is located. Hence, tagging and mapping are extremely important. For example, one body may be temporarily buried in Chitwan while another in Dhunche.

With DNA testing, once identification is confirmed, tagging enables retrieval of the specific body from the recorded location.

The body or remains can then be exhumed and handed over to relatives, allowing proper religious and cultural funerary rites. Thus, random burial without record-keeping is unacceptable, and the current procedure reflects this scientific approach.

How long can a body remain preserved when temporarily buried underground?

Decomposition slows down underground due to reduced oxygen and cooler temperatures.

Soft tissue decomposition is delayed for roughly two to three months, but over time, soft tissues decay. After about one year, bodies typically reduce to skeletal remains.

Therefore, the purpose of temporary burial is not permanent preservation but to scientifically manage the remains until identification and handing over to families is completed.

Why is temporary burial appropriate for already decomposed bodies?

Decomposed bodies cannot be restored to their original state by refrigeration. Hence, temporary underground burial is the practical and scientific approach in such scenarios.

After about one year, while most soft tissue is gone, bones remain intact to serve as vital evidence for identification. Once matched, remains can be returned to families to conduct funerary ceremonies complying with their religious and cultural traditions.

Some claim that immediate cremation is better than burial. What is your opinion?

This perspective is neither scientifically nor human rights-wise appropriate. Cremation destroys vital identification evidence.

The identity of the deceased and relatives’ rights are paramount. While most Nepalese are Hindu, there is religious diversity and customs vary. Foreign nationals affected by disasters also have their own religious and burial rights.

Immediate cremation of decomposed bodies can render identification impossible and may deprive families of their religious and cultural mourning rights.

Does this apply to foreign nationals as well?

Yes, the same principle applies. Foreign nationals affected by disaster in Nepal also have rights.

Embassies actively seek to identify and assist their citizens. Thus, identification and handing over remains to families or home countries is essential.

Decisions to immediately cremate based solely on decomposition or odor risk creating significant human rights and legal issues.

Is it true that bodies cannot be buried randomly?

Bodies must not be casually buried. Temporary burial is a scientific process which the government currently follows, including documentation, DNA collection, tagging, and mapping.

All details including which body is buried where and where samples are stored are meticulously recorded. When DNA matches occur, bodies can be exhumed and given to families.

How does human rights factor into body management?

Human rights extend beyond the living to include the deceased’s right to respectful funerary treatment.

If bodies are burned or buried without proper identification or record-keeping, families may lose the right to perform religious and cultural rites for their loved ones.

Temporary burial ensures both identification security and respect for deceased and relatives.

Is there any risk of disease from temporary burial?

Decomposed bodies can cause odor and health hazards during long transport or postmortem examinations, potentially causing additional health crises in disaster settings.

Thus, scientifically managed temporary burial with prior DNA collection and record-keeping is the safest method. Once identification is complete, remains can be handed over to families.

Has this practice been implemented in Nepal before?

This is not new for Nepal. The 2015 earthquake saw similar procedures, with about 32 bodies temporarily buried underground.

Later, relatives provided DNA samples for matching, and after identification, remains were handed over.

Therefore, current temporary burial should not be mistaken for permanent cremation but viewed as a temporary, identification-preserving process.

What is the most crucial process when managing newly discovered bodies?

Documentation is the foremost priority. Forensic experts and clinicians must record all identification information. DNA samples need to be collected and bodies clearly tagged.

Precise identification and secure mapping of burial locations are necessary.

DNA samples from relatives of missing persons must also be collected and profiled in laboratories. Once a match is found, the specific remains can be located, exhumed, and handed over for burial following their religious and cultural practices.

Finally, what should the public understand about the current temporary body management?

It should not be regarded as permanent cremation. This is a temporary and scientific process aimed at preserving identification, records, and remains safely.

Disasters exert huge emotional pressure, but decisions must be made thoughtfully and scientifically. Rather than randomly burning or burying bodies, every possible effort must be made to preserve identification.

Saving lives is paramount, but giving deceased individuals respectful funerary treatment is equally important. Thus, during disaster body management, scientific techniques, forensic procedures, DNA identification, proper documentation, and human rights must all be considered together.