Two workers rescued alive after nine days trapped in Nepal tunnel

Two workers have been rescued alive from a hydropower tunnel in Nepal, nine days after a massive ice, rock and mudslide struck the Trishuli River valley.

The men, identified as Sanjay Sah, a mechanical foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a mechanical supervisor, were found inside a tunnel at the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Station on Friday, according to a statement from the office of Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha.

The pair were among workers feared trapped following the disaster on August 26, which swept through areas housing several hydropower projects along the river.

Rescue officials believe the collapse of a glacier in the upper Trishuli River region trapped at least 900 people inside tunnels connected to six hydropower projects.

Maharjan was reported to be in serious condition and unable to move his hands and legs, while Sah sustained injuries that were not considered critical, an aide to the energy minister told Reuters.

The rescued workers were being transported to a hospital in Kathmandu for medical treatment.

News of the rescue also brought relief to Maharjan’s family, although his brother, Amir Maharjan, said the family had yet to receive official confirmation when he was instructed to head 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 comes amid continuing efforts to locate and recover people caught in the disaster, which has left more than 1,200 people dead and displaced tens of thousands across affected parts of Nepal.

(Reuters)