Summary
Two people have been rescued from a tunnel in Nepal more than a week after flash flooding hit the Nepal-Tibet border, killing more than 1,300 people
An expert tells the BBC a “Goldilocks zone” could be housing more survivors, with 39 thought to be trapped
Col Jhabindra Reshmi, of Nepal’s army, says rescue efforts continue – and that mud and rocks are making entering the tunnels more difficult
Dramatic footage from earlier shows the moment Sanjaya Shah and Kabir Maharjan are pulled alive from the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project – watch the video here
The body of a third person has been found at the site, with authorities saying they likely “died after being caught in floodwater while trying to flee from the tunnel”
The flooding, which hit last Wednesday, is believed to have been caused by a glacial collapse. Thousands of people are still missing – here’s how it unfolded
‘Extremely challenging’ rescue efforts are like a ‘horrible movie’, says Nepal power boss
Earlier, we heard from Uttam Bhlon Lama, vice president at Independent Power Producers of Nepal.
The BBC news channel has just spoken with him again, and he says every effort is being made to rescue the “highly skilled people within the tunnels” of the hydropower sites.
Lama says reaching those trapped remains “extremely challenging” with difficulties such as getting heavy equipment to the sites to blast out the trees, mud and machinery blocking access.
Lama adds that the the river level is also very high and despite the design consultants and engineers working to save lives, the scenes in the valley are reminiscent of a “horrible movie”.
Nepali Army footage shows dramatic rescue scenes
The Nepali Army has shared footage of the rescue of the two survivors.
It gives us more insight on conditions inside the Trishuli 3A tunnel – including thick mud coating the floor, narrow passageways and very low headspace at some points.
Nepal officials urge high alert as Chaulani river partially blocked by landslide
Prakash Parki
BBC Nepali
In Nepal’s west, several hundred kilometres from the Trishuli valley disaster site, officials are warning that the Chaulani river in Bhattar is partially blocked due to a landslide.
The District Administration Office, Darchula, states there is a possibility that the river could be completely blocked, as landslides from above are still continuing.
The office has issued a public notice urging citizens and concerned bodies living in the coastal areas of the Chaulani River to adopt high alert.
Chief District Officer Vartaraj Poudel says a sudden increase in water flow could pose a risk if the river is completely blocked, and then gives way.
The administration is urging residents of river settlements to remain aware of conditions and landslide activity, and to immediately move to a safer location if they see any risk.
As we reported earlier, Nepal is one of the countries most vulnerable to the climate crisis, with fears over impact to Himalayan mountain regions.
