A technical Search and Rescue (S&R) team from the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) was deployed to the affected tunnel area of Chilime Hydropower on Saturday at the request of the hydropower project. The team was transported to the site with helicopter support from Simrik Air to assess the situation and conduct a technical search.
Operation Initially Planned as Long-Line Rescue
The operation was initially planned as a Long-Line Rescue/Access operation because heavy mud surrounding the tunnel area was expected to make a helicopter landing difficult. The NNMGA team had therefore prepared technical anchors and specialized equipment to access the site using a helicopter long-line system if direct landing was not possible. However, conditions at the site improved as the mud around the area had dried sufficiently to allow the helicopter to land near the tunnel entrance. This enabled the rescue team to reach the site directly without requiring the planned long-line access.
NNMGA and Nepal Army Teams Assess the Situation
Approximately one hour after the NNMGA team arrived at the location, personnel from the Nepal Army also reached the site. The two teams jointly surveyed the affected area and assessed the condition of the tunnel before beginning the technical search operation.
Following the assessment, NNMGA mountain guides entered the tunnel to conduct a detailed technical search. The team advanced approximately 120 metres inside the tunnel while assessing the conditions and looking for possible signs or items associated with the incident. During the search, the team also recovered one camera bag from inside the tunnel.
Thick Sludge and Debris Block Further Access
The search team was able to proceed to approximately 120 metres into the tunnel before encountering a complete blockage caused by a large accumulation of thick mud, or sludge, and debris. After assessing the blockage, the technical team determined that further progress could not be made effectively through human resources alone. The accumulated material is too substantial to be safely cleared manually, preventing the team from advancing deeper into the tunnel.
Excavation Machinery and Pumping Equipment Required
According to the technical assessment, continued search operations deeper inside the tunnel will require excavation machinery and appropriate pumping equipment. The machinery will be necessary to remove the large volume of accumulated mud and debris and clear a safe passage through the blocked section of the tunnel.
Pumping equipment may also be required to manage water and sludge during the clearance and subsequent search operation. The assessment provides authorities and other concerned agencies with a clearer understanding of the conditions inside the affected tunnel and the resources required for the next phase of the search.
NNMGA Team Returns to Kathmandu
After completing the day’s technical search and assessment, the NNMGA team began its return to Kathmandu. The operation was carried out as a technical assessment and search mission in coordination with the concerned authorities, with the team focusing on determining the accessibility of the tunnel and the requirements for continuing the search.
NNMGA Technical Team
The technical team deployed for the operation comprised experienced mountain guides and aspirant guides:
- Ashis Gurung – IFMGA Mountain Guide
- Dorjee Sherpa – IFMGA Mountain Guide
- JenJen Lama – Aspirant Mountain Guide
- Sabin Thakuri – Aspirant Mountain Guide, on standby in Kathmandu
The team brought technical mountain rescue expertise to the operation, including experience in difficult terrain, rope-based access and helicopter-supported rescue operations.
NNMGA Ready to Support Further Rescue Operations
NNMGA said it remains ready to provide specialized technical support whenever required by the concerned authorities. The association can provide expertise in Technical Terrain Search and Rescue, Rope Rescue, Mountain Rescue and Helicopter Long-Line Rescue, depending on the requirements of the operation and conditions at the site. The association emphasized its readiness to continue supporting search and rescue efforts in coordination with government agencies, emergency responders and other concerned stakeholders.
