Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Around 933 workers at 13 hydropower projects in Nepal were reported uncontactable after devastating floods and landslides hit project sites in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, according to the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN).
Of the 933 workers, 254 have so far been rescued, while contact has been established with some others. However, a large number of workers remain unaccounted for.
IPPAN said 13 hydropower projects, including those under construction and already operational, had been directly affected by the floods.
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There are also fears that some workers could be trapped inside tunnels at projects including Langtang Hydro, Upper Trishuli, Trishuli-3B and Chilime, where urgent rescue operations are required.
576 UNACCOUNTED FOR AT UPPER TRISHULI-1
The biggest concern is Upper Trishuli-1, where the whereabouts of 576 workers remain unknown. Around 1,350 people were working at the project when the disaster struck.
Some workers have been evacuated, but authorities have been unable to establish contact with hundreds of others.
“576 people are uncontactable. There is no clear information about where they are. If some are trapped inside the tunnels and can be reached in time, there is a possibility of saving them,” IPPAN Senior Vice-President Uttam Bhlon said.
Rescue operations have been hampered by damaged roads and the collapse of communication networks in the affected areas. The lack of mobile and telephone connectivity has also made it difficult to determine how many workers remain at project sites and where they are.
Authorities are exploring the use of private helicopters for rescue operations. However, limited landing space at several project sites, along with technical and safety concerns, has complicated those efforts.
This is a developing story. It will be updated.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
