Bhote Koshi Flood: Search and Rescue Underway
RASUWA:- A joint rescue team searching for those missing inside the tunnel of the Chilime Hydropower Project in Rasuwa—following the Bhote Koshi floods—recovered four bodies and one human body part on Wednesday.
The Nepal Army stated that the bodies and the human body part were discovered while searching the tunnel—which had been breached by the devastating floods of Bhadra 10—and reaching its far end. Previously, on Bhadra 15, one body and one human body part had also been recovered from the same tunnel.
The Nepali Army stated that on Wednesday, a team including divers entered the tunnel through an opening and discovered three bodies while searching up to the farthest point. The recovered bodies and human remains were transported by Army helicopter to Trishuli in Nuwakot.
Following the floods, efforts to restore normalcy to the affected areas are proceeding alongside search and rescue operations for the missing. The Nepal Army and relevant agencies are simultaneously carrying out tasks such as constructing access routes, clearing debris, establishing alternative transport routes, and managing damaged infrastructure.
Nepal Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet stated that, in accordance with government directives, the Army has been mobilized for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts alongside search and rescue operations.
According to him, a Bailey bridge has been constructed over the Tadi River at Devighat in Nuwakot. Movement has also commenced across the Bhote Koshi River in Syaphrubesi, Rasuwa, following the installation of a *tuin* (cable crossing). Priority is being given to establishing alternative access routes to areas that were cut off due to flood-induced damage to roads and bridges.
A joint team comprising the Nepali Army and foreign technicians is continuing search operations at the tunnels, powerhouses, and residential areas of the flood-affected hydropower projects.
A team comprising the Nepal Army and project representatives is continuing search operations inside the tunnel at Audit-3 of the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project. Similarly, a team that includes foreign technicians is conducting a search at the Langtang Hydropower Project.
Search operations are also underway in the tunnel and powerhouse areas of the Trishuli 3A project. Regarding the search conducted in the residential area of the Trishuli 3B project, the Army reported that no structures were found other than the plinths of two residential buildings.
The Army has also continued ground searches through foot patrols in various affected areas of Rasuwa and Nuwakot.
