KATHMANDU, Sep 05 (Alliance News): Two hydropower workers were rescued alive from a tunnel in Nepal on Friday, nine days after an ice, rock and mudslide swept through a valley, killing more than 1,200 people and displacing tens of thousands.
The two workers were pulled from a tunnel at the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Station on the Trishuli River, according to a statement from the office of Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha.
The workers were identified as Sanjay Sah, a mechanical foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a mechanical supervisor.
Officials and rescue workers believe the collapse on August 26 trapped at least 900 people in tunnels connected to six hydropower projects along the Trishuli River.
An aide to the energy minister told Reuters that Maharjan was unable to move his hands and legs, while Sah’s injuries were not considered critical.
The two workers were being taken to a hospital in Kathmandu for medical treatment.
Kabir Maharjan’s brother, Amir Maharjan, said he had not received official confirmation but had been asked to go to the hospital.
“I have been hearing from the news that my brother has been found. The entire family is very happy,” Amir said.
The rescue operation comes amid a major humanitarian crisis caused by the disaster, which has killed more than 1,200 people and displaced tens of thousands.
