KATHMANDU, Nepal — Rescuers in Nepal successfully pulled two workers alive from an underground tunnel at a hydropower plant on Friday, raising hopes of reaching dozens of others believed to be trapped. This operation comes nine days after devastating floods swept away villages and submerged the Himalayan region in mud and debris.
Rescue Operation
Search teams first heard voices from inside the tunnel in the morning, allowing them to locate the two men, as confirmed by Nepalese lawmaker Shri Ram Neupane. Images from the scene showed a rescuer carrying one of the workers, who was covered in mud, on his back, while soldiers assisted on either side.
One of the rescued workers reported that more people are alive inside the tunnel, according to army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Raja Ram Basnet. "I can't explain what we are feeling at the moment. We are just grateful to God," said Amir Maharjan, the brother of one of the rescued.
Condition of the Rescued
Basnet confirmed the rescue of the first trapped worker, and Neupane shared news of the second rescue on his Facebook page shortly after. Both men were flown to a hospital in Kathmandu, with Maharjan stating that his family was on their way to see them. One of the survivors is reported to be in critical condition, according to a statement from the prime minister's office.
