United News of Bangladesh

Rescuers in Nepal pulled two workers alive from a hydropower tunnel Friday, nine days after devastating floods trapped them inside, officials said. Emergency teams are continuing efforts to reach others believed to be trapped in the tunnel of the Trishuli 3A hydropower project. The two workers were rescued from the tunnel, which was hit by floods on August 26 that were likely triggered by a glacier collapse. The disaster devastated nearby towns and swept away several villages. Army spokesperson Brig Gen Raja Ram Basnet confirmed the rescue of the first worker, while Nepalese lawmaker Shri Ram Neupane later announced the rescue of the second on Facebook. Officials identified the two men as a mechanical foreman and a mechanical supervisor. Television footage showed one of the rescued workers covered in mud and being carried away from the site on a rescuer’s shoulder. Both men are now under medical observation. According to the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal, at least 557 workers from the Trishuli 3A project remain missing, with around 115 believed to be trapped inside the main tunnel. Rescue officials said they remain hopeful that more people could still be alive inside. Communication Minister Bikram Timilsina also expressed hope that additional workers would be rescued. The floods have killed at least 1,259 people in Nepal, while more than 5,000 others remain missing, according to the country’s disaster management agency. Across Nepal, around 900 workers from 12 hydropower projects are reported missing, with roughly 500 believed to be trapped inside tunnels, local authorities said.