KATHMANDU: China has sent a helicopter carrying tunnel rescue specialists to Nepal to assist in the search and rescue of Nepali and foreign nationals trapped inside tunnels of hydropower projects following the devastating floods in Rasuwa’s Bhotekoshi area.
A helicopter carrying four tunnel rescue experts from the People’s Liberation Army of China arrived in Nepal on Saturday. The helicopter reportedly flew directly from the Kerung border and landed at the powerhouse area of the concerned hydropower project.
Nepali and foreign engineers, technicians and workers have been trapped inside tunnels and underground structures of several hydropower projects in Rasuwa following the floods on Wednesday morning.
The Chinese experts will join the rescue operation alongside the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force and other security agencies. They are expected to provide technical expertise in locating and rescuing people trapped inside tunnels and conducting rescue operations in complex underground structures.
The Chinese team will coordinate with Nepali rescue personnel and support operations at the affected hydropower projects.
China had earlier announced $2 million in cash assistance to Nepal following the floods in Rasuwa. It has also been preparing to send essential emergency relief materials to Nepal through two military cargo aircraft.
China had said it would send two teams with expertise in tunnel rescue and technical operations along with relief supplies. The teams are expected to be deployed in the search and rescue of people trapped inside hydropower tunnels and underground structures.
The floods in the Bhotekoshi area have caused significant loss of life and property, while severely damaging hydropower projects, settlements, roads and other infrastructure. Search and rescue operations for those missing and trapped inside tunnels have been intensified.
The arrival of Chinese tunnel rescue specialists is expected to strengthen the technical capacity of the rescue operation in the affected underground structures.
Meanwhile, a 26-member Indian military-led team has already headed towards Syafrubesi to assist in the rescue operation.
The team, transported by a Nepali Army MI-17 helicopter (NA-038), comprises eight Indian Army personnel, eight signal personnel, two Nepali Army personnel, one interpreter, four Bailey bridge specialists and three crew members.
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