Nepal Rescuers Dig 125 Meters With Rat-Hole Mining to Reach 6 Trapped Hydropower Workers
Updated
Updated · Hindustan Times · Sep 15
Nepal Rescuers Dig 125 Meters With Rat-Hole Mining to Reach 6 Trapped Hydropower Workers
2 articles · Updated · Hindustan Times · Sep 15
Summary
Rescue teams at the 22-MW Chilime hydropower project have switched to rat-hole mining and pushed 125 meters into the tunnel, searching for six workers trapped since the Aug. 26 floods.
About 90 meters of debris and boulders were cleared by excavator before rescuers hand-dug another 35 meters; they are now pumping out water, with oil mixed in it suggesting the underground power station is close.
Twenty Indian Army and NDRF tunnel experts are working with 37 Nepal Army personnel, but they still have no contact with the six workers and are relying on hopes they reached a station stocked with drinking water.
Officials said dewatering and clearing will continue to the powerhouse, though inflowing water and large boulders have slowed progress; the technique echoes the 17-day Silkyara tunnel rescue in India.