An 11-member technical team from India carried out on-site reconnaissance of hydropower tunnels in Nepal’s flood-affected areas today to facilitate the search and rescue of stranded individuals. The team, comprising doctors, paramedics and tunnel engineers, arrived in Kathmandu yesterday.

Today, the team reached Trishuli in Nuwakot district to assist in efforts to rescue workers trapped in a tunnel belonging to a hydropower project. In a social media post, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said that a specialised technical team from India carried out on-site reconnaissance of hydropower tunnels in the area affected by the flash floods, which will help facilitate the early search and rescue of stranded individuals.

After completing an aerial survey of the Chilime and Langtang areas, the Indian team began necessary rescue-related work around the tunnel area, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. An 82-member joint security team comprising Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police personnel has been working since last night to clear debris and reach people believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.

Nepali security forces have so far rescued 191 workers from tunnels at various hydropower projects in the country, according to the Nepal Army. However, reports of more people being trapped inside tunnels prompted Nepalese authorities to seek India’s assistance.

The flash floods swept through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors on Wednesday, killing hundreds of people and damaging roads, bridges, settlements and hydropower infrastructure.