Ljubljana:The Nepali Army has identified tunnel-based search and rescue operations as the most challenging aspect of disaster response. In a significant effort, seven individuals were rescued alive from the tunnels of hydropower projects.
According to National News Agency Nepal, on September 4, the tenth day of ongoing rescue efforts, two people were rescued from the Trishuli-3 ‘A’ project. This operation involved the use of drilling machines, excavators, rock breakers, controlled blasting, and oxygen pumps.
A Chinese national was successfully rescued from 225 meters down in the Audit Tunnel of Upper Trishuli-1 with the help of a rubber boat and a thermal camera. Subsequently, 37 bodies were recovered from the same location.
At the Chilime tunnel, five bodies and additional human remains were found following the creation of an alternative route approximately 1,050 meters long.
Additional search and excavation operations took place at Rasuwagadhi and Trishuli-3 ‘B’. Personnel and technology from neighboring and other friendly countries contributed to the tunnel rescue efforts.
In terms of healthcare, emergency treatment centers were established in Trishuli and Dhunche, and medical patrols provided direct medical services to 4,003 individuals. Severely injured persons were airlifted to Birendra Hospital in Kathmandu.
Those displaced by the disaster were housed in temporary shelters and relief camps, and a sanitation campaign was launched to prevent potential epidemics in affected areas.
Infrastructure restoration included the installation of a 60-meter-long bailey bridge over the Tadi River at Devighat, Nuwakot, which became operational on September 10. Temporary transport solutions like traditional ropeways and wooden bridges were set up at Syaphrubesi-Chilime and Indrenighat, with progress on access roads for a new bailey bridge at Betrawati.
The Nepali Army concluded that the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods underscored the importance of viewing disaster response as a collaborative effort involving considerable risks and uncertainties, necessitating effective coordination among multiple agencies.
The coordination among the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, local administration, local government bodies, and community under governmental direction was crucial in executing rescue, relief, healthcare, and rehabilitation operations.