Kathmandu [Nepal], September 11 – Signs of hope have emerged in the rescue operation for employees trapped inside the underground powerhouse of the Chilime Hydropower Station in Rasuwa, according to Ujyalo Nepal Party President Kulman Ghising.
Ghising, a former managing director of Chilime Hydropower Company said he has been providing technical advice, coordination and facilitation to the rescue team based on his experience operating the powerhouse.
He said rescuers were rapidly clearing large amounts of mud, sand and rocks that had accumulated in the main access tunnel leading to the powerhouse. The team has been continuously advancing through the debris.
According to Ghising when rescuers sent sound signals about 120 metres beyond a narrowed section of the tunnel they heard an echo. Cold air was also detected coming from the same area.
He said the signs have strengthened hopes that the workers trapped inside the tunnel may still be safe.
The rescue team has reportedly advanced to the point where only about 100 metres remain to reach the powerhouse.
“Every metre of progress and every sign at this stage is creating new hope for all of us,” Ghising said in a social media post.
Meanwhile, work is also progressing rapidly to build an access route from Syafrubesi toward the tunnel using an excavator. Ghising said there is a possibility of reaching the tunnel by excavator which could accelerate the rescue operation once excavators and loaders arrive.
