A survivor of the recent catastrophic floods in Nepal has claimed that a Chinese supervisor abandoned workers trapped in a tunnel at the Trishuli-3A Hydropower Station during rescue efforts. The allegations stem from an incident where workers requested assistance to escape a perilous situation, but allegedly, the supervisor fled without offering help. The project is under the management of China’s Power China Corporation, which is overseeing engineering operations at the site.

The survivor, Raj Chhetri, reported that he and other workers were inside Tunnel No. 3 when the flash floods occurred. He sought permission to evacuate after hearing a loud noise, but the supervisor supposed to provide guidance allegedly indicated he would “go and see” before leaving the tunnel himself. Following this, the supervisor reportedly exited the tunnel, leaving the workers in danger.

Rescue Operations Under Duress

Rescue efforts at the Trishuli-3A site have been hindered by extensive damage to infrastructure, adverse weather conditions, and challenges in accessing blocked underground facilities. Approximately 900 workers are currently unaccounted for across various impacted hydropower projects. Chhetri detailed the chaotic moment when a surge of water, mud, and debris invaded the tunnel, resulting in numerous individuals being swept away along with vehicles and personal belongings.

He managed to escape alongside three other workers, yet expressed concern for those left behind. Chhetri alleged that around 265 workers were in Tunnel No. 3 during the flood’s onset and that many bodies were reportedly left within the tunnel. He described hearing cries for help from survivors still trapped in the wreckage.

The urgency of the rescue operations is reflected in the use of heavy equipment and specialised techniques to reach those entombed beneath layers of mud and debris. With time running out, authorities are striving to locate trapped individuals amidst the complicated landscape of destruction.

Survivor’s Early Struggles Following the Floods

Following his escape, Chhetri recounted how he and fellow survivors spent their initial days in the forest, resorting to sleeping under a tree. The absence of mobile phone connectivity and poor network reception in the region left many unable to inform their families of their survival. It wasn’t until the restoration of mobile services that Chhetri managed to reconnect with his relatives.

Chhetri also raised concerns regarding the Chinese government’s awareness of potential flood risks prior to the disaster. He alleged that timely warnings might have mitigated the loss of lives and property. His assertions highlight a call for improved communication systems and safety protocols in future projects.

The families of workers still stranded in the inundated tunnels have expressed frustration with the progress of the rescue missions. One engineer’s wife shared her distress, noting that six days had passed without noticeable advancements in rescue operations. She described the agonising wait for updates as relatives navigated between government offices and military headquarters in hopes of finding information.

Widespread Impact of the Disasters

The catastrophic flash floods struck on August 26, following a massive glacier collapse that generated torrents of water, mud, and debris along the Nepal-Tibet border. This natural disaster has wreaked havoc on settlements, roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure, resulting in extensive damage across the region. According to police reports, 1,126 fatalities have been confirmed in Nepal, with over 4,000 individuals still reported as missing.

In the neighbouring region of Tibet, Chinese authorities have reported 16 deaths and 546 individuals unaccounted for in the aftermath of the floods. The disaster underscores the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and coordination between authorities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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