Kathmandu [Nepal], August 30 – Rescuers at the Trishuli-3A Hydropower project drilled a 2-to-3-footwide hole into the crown of the tunnel on Sunday and called out to those believed to be trapped inside but received no response.

According to information shared by the Secretariat of the Prime Minister rescue teams have now intensified their search operation by deploying heavy equipment and using controlled blasting to widen the opening in the tunnel’s crown.

The measures are aimed at creating a larger access point to reach people who may still be trapped inside the tunnel following the devastating floods.

A 90-member rescue team has been deployed for the operation. The team includes 66 personnel from the Nepali Army, 18 from the Armed Police Force Nepal and six from Nepal Police.

The rescue operation is being carried out amid difficult conditions at the hydropower project site, which was severely affected by the recent flooding.

Authorities are continuing efforts to determine the condition and location of those believed to be inside the tunnel as rescuers work to expand access and enter the affected section.

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