Rescuers save 2 men in tunnel in Nepal after 9 days

Rescue workers were able to evacuate two workers who were trapped in a tunnel at a hydroelectric power plant in northern Nepal since the catastrophic floods on August 26. The announcement was made by local authorities and represents a rare moment of relief amid a tragedy that has left some 1,300 dead and thousands missing.

The two rescued are Nepalese and were identified as Sanjay Sah, 30, and Maharjan, 45. Both are in stable condition and have been taken to a hospital in the capital Kathmandu. "What day is today? I was singing a mantra inside," Sah said in a statement that highlighted the long period of confinement.

Exciting rescue after nine days

“We have been informed that a person has just been safely removed from the Trishuli-3 tunnel,” Nepalese Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said. Interior Minister Sudan Gurung confirmed the rescue of a second worker. The operation mobilized teams facing adverse conditions in the mountainous region.

“As long as there is breath, there is hope!” said Bhakta Shrestha in a statement. “Rescue operations continue in all affected tunnels. May the efforts and prayers of all continue. We have not lost hope,” he added. The minister’s speech reflects the continued effort of the teams, who continue to work on other points.

Balance of the tragedy in Nepal

According to the Nepalese disaster management agency, the number of confirmed deaths in the country so far is 1,287, while 5,083 people are missing, including more than 900 employees of hydroelectric power plants in the region. In neighboring Tibet, China confirmed 21 dead and 541 missing. The numbers may increase as searches continue.

By Friday, however, rescuers had managed to recover only a few bodies in those locations, while trying to make their way with the help of explosives and backhoes. The difficulty of access and the instability of the terrain make the work slow and dangerous, but the teams remain hopeful of finding more survivors.

Causes of catastrophic flooding

The tragedy was caused by the collapse of a glacier in the Himalayas, the mountain range that houses the highest peaks on the planet. Huge blocks of ice broke off and dragged a mass of debris, including rocks, trees, sediments and water from dammed lakes in the mountains, sweeping entire settlements off the map. The phenomenon, known as glacial lake breakdown flooding, is aggravated by climate change.

The disaster mainly affected the northern region of Nepal, where several hydroelectric plants are located, essential for the country's energy supply. The destruction of infrastructure and the large number of missing put pressure on the authorities, who coordinate rescue and assistance to victims.

Hope in the midst of destruction

The rescue of the two workers is a breath of hope for families awaiting news of missing loved ones. The relief teams are still mobilized, using all available resources to reach areas of difficult access. The international community also monitors the situation, offering logistical and humanitarian support.

As searches continue, Nepal faces the challenge of rebuilding the devastated areas and supporting the survivors. The tragedy highlights the vulnerability of mountain communities to extreme weather events, reinforcing the need for investments in prevention and early warning systems. The case of the two rescued, however, shows that resilience and solidarity can overcome adversity.

Read Also

Nepal rescues two tunnel workers after floods

PG's Feira Verde this Friday (4) will be in Vitória Garden and 15 more locations

Intern arrested after sex with patient in US

Font

www.terra.com.br