Search and rescue operations have intensified at hydropower tunnels along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli corridor after last week’s devastating floods left workers missing or trapped.

The Nepali Army said rescue teams had located the tunnel head at the Upper Trishuli-3A project and were pumping in air and draining water to enable entry. Excavators and rock breakers were being used to clear access routes.

Specialist teams were also working to enter the tunnel at Upper Trishuli-3B.

At Chilime Hydropower, a joint team including foreign rescuers had entered about 50 metres into the tunnel, while search teams had reached around 150 metres inside the Langtang Hydropower tunnel and 200 metres inside the Upper Trishuli-1 tunnel.

The army said 279 people were rescued alive from various hydropower projects immediately after the floods, including 221 from Upper Trishuli-3A and 33 from Upper Trishuli-1.