Continuous Rescues in Tunnels... "About 100 People Estimated Trapped"

[Anchor]

Rescue personnel are focusing their efforts on a large power plant construction site, which was one of the most dangerous locations in this massive flood. It is estimated that more than 100 people are trapped inside a tunnel right now. However, rescue operations are facing major difficulties as sediment has poured deep into the tunnel.

Reporter Jang Hun-gyeong has the details.

[Reporter]

A rescue worker carries a person trapped inside a tunnel out on their back.

With mud sinking deep underfoot, taking a step is far from easy, and some even have to crawl to reach the tunnel.

There are several hydroelectric power plant construction sites in the flood-affected areas, and people who were isolated by the massive flood while working on tunnels used for water flow regulation and other purposes are currently being rescued.

A man rescued from a tunnel at the Upper Trishuli hydro power plant construction site, which was being built by South Korean companies, said, "Water rushed in like a bomb exploding," adding, "Those who ran up the hill inside the tunnel were able to save their lives."

Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah stated that 191 people were rescued from the power plant tunnel alone, writing, "We are placing the highest priority on rescuing citizens and workers trapped in the tunnel."

A Nepali military spokesperson explained that an estimated 100 people are still trapped inside the tunnel, and rescue operations are difficult due to mud depths reaching up to 1.5 meters and limited landing sites for helicopters.

Miraculous rescue news is also coming in.

An 8-year-old boy who climbed a tree to escape the flood was found with a broken leg and facial lacerations and was rescued by helicopter.

His mother, who had spent two days searching for her son, burst into tears the moment she heard his voice over the phone.

[Mati Maya Tamang - Phone Call with Rescued Son: I am going to see you. (Great.) What should I bring, is there anything you want to eat?]

However, even on the fourth day since the massive flood, with many displaced people still unaware of whether their family members are alive or dead, rescue operations are failing to gain momentum amid the risk of secondary floods and ongoing rainfall.

(Video Editing: Cho Mu-hwan)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.