Tunnel-based Search, Rescue Operations Most Challenging: Nepali Army

According to the Nepali Army, the tunnel-based search and rescue operations were the most challenging part of disaster response. Following tremendous efforts, seven were rescued alive from inside hydropower projects’ tunnels. On September 4, the tenth day of the disaster, it could rescue two people from the Trishuli-3 ‘A’.

The rescue was assisted by the uses of drilling machines, excavators, rock breakers, controlled blasting and oxygen pumps. A Chinese national trapped in 225 meters down in the Audit Tunnel of Upper Trishuli-1 was rescued with the help of a rubber boat and a thermal camera.

Later, 37 bodies were recovered from the site. At the Chilime tunnel, five bodies and human remains were recovered after making an alternative route of around 1,050 metres to achieve a breakthrough. Search and excavation operations were also conducted at Rasuwagadhi and Trishuli-3 ‘B’.

Personnel and technology from neighbouring and other friendly nations also assisted in the tunnel rescue efforts. Towards the healthcare assistance, emergency treatment centres were established in Trishuli and Dhunche, while medical patrols were conducted, providing 4,003 persons with direct medical services.

Those rescued with severe injuries were brought to Chhauni-based Birendra Hospital, Kathamndu on a helicopter. The displaced were accommodated in temporary shelters and relief camps. A sanitization campaign was run to prevent the potential outbreak of epidemic in the affected areas.

Regarding infrastructure restoration, a 60-metre-long bailey bridge with a 60-ton load capacity was installed over the Tadi River at Devighat, Nuwakot, within five days and brought into operation on September 10. Temporary means of transport such as tuins (traditional ropeways) and wooden bridges were fixed at Syaphrubesi-Chilime and Indrenighat.

The works progressed on preparing access roads for the construction of a bailey bridge at Betrawati. NA concluded that the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods highlighted the need to view disaster response not simply as a routine administrative task, but as a joint operation involving significant risks and uncertainties and requiring effective coordination among multiple agencies.

According to the NA, coordination and collaboration among the Nepali Army, the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, local administration, local government bodies, and community under the direction of the government played a crucial role in rescue, relief, healthcare and rehabilitation efforts. (RSS)