Rescue teams in Nepal pulled two workers alive from a hydropower tunnel on Friday, nine days after catastrophic floods swept through the country. The successful extraction has raised hopes for the rescue of dozens more believed to be trapped in the facility.
Searchers first heard voices emanating from the tunnel on Friday morning, prompting an intensive rescue operation with the assistance of the Nepal Army. Images released by the army showed rescuers carrying one of the men, who were subsequently flown to a hospital in Kathmandu. One of the rescued workers indicated that more individuals are alive inside the tunnel, according to Brig. Gen. Raja Ram Basnet, who confirmed that search efforts are ongoing.
Amir Maharjan, the brother of one of the rescued men, expressed gratitude, telling The Associated Press, "I can’t explain what we are feeling at the moment. We are just grateful to God."
Officials identified the rescued men as a mechanical foreman and a mechanical supervisor at the Trishuli 3A plant. One of the men was reported to be in critical condition following his rescue.
Approximately 115 people are believed to remain trapped in the Trishuli 3A tunnel alone, according to the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal. Across 12 hydropower plants in Nepal, authorities estimate about 900 workers are missing, with roughly 500 of them thought to be trapped within tunnels.
Nepal's Communication Minister Bikram Timilsina conveyed officials' anticipation for further rescues on Facebook, extending thanks to those who worked continuously on the rescue efforts.
The floods, which scientists believe were likely triggered by a glacier collapse, have resulted in at least 1,287 confirmed deaths and over 5,000 missing people, according to The Associated Press. On the Tibet side of the border, China reported 21 fatalities and 541 missing individuals.
Nepal's disaster agency chief stated Friday that the flooding has caused an estimated 387.5 billion Nepalese rupees (approximately $2.5 billion) in damage to infrastructure and property.