KATHMANDU: At least 39 people have been confirmed dead and 439 remain missing following a devastating flood at the 216-megawatt Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project in Rasuwa on Aug. 26. According to the project developer, Nepal Water and Energy Development Company, the disaster caused extensive damage to the construction site.
At the time of the flood, approximately 1,433 personnel, including Nepali, Korean, Chinese, and Indian nationals, were working at the site. So far, 877 people have been rescued, and 78 have made contact. Search and rescue operations for the remaining 439 individuals are ongoing.
The flood severely damaged the dam and tunnel areas, overturning heavy vehicles and trucks. Rescuers are focusing on clearing debris and sludge from tunnels and underground powerhouses, where people may be trapped. A joint team comprising the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and Korean experts is leading the operation. With road networks destroyed, equipment including mini-excavators and generators was airlifted to the site via helicopter.
Recovered bodies have been transported by Nepal Army helicopters to a military camp in Bidur, Nuwakot, for identification by family members. The company stated it is providing immediate financial assistance to the families of the deceased and offering psychosocial counseling to the families of the missing. Despite difficult terrain and the risk of further landslides, the company is coordinating with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Energy to prioritize the search for the missing.
