KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 3: Indian and Nepali rescue teams are continuing operations to locate and rescue those trapped inside a tunnel at the Chilime Power House in Nepal, with Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava saying the difficult terrain has not deterred the teams from their mission.
Srivastava on Thursday visited Syabrubesi, where the Indian tunnel rescue team has established its base, and inspected excavation work being carried out by Indian technical experts in coordination with the Nepal Army.
The Indian team shifted its base to Syabrubesi on Wednesday to reduce travel time to the Chilime Power House, where the rescue operation is underway.
“Visited our technical team now stationed in Syabrubesi near Chilime. They continued their operations in excavating the Chilime Power House tunnel for rescue operations,” Srivastava said in a social media post.
He said Indian and Nepali teams had already explored around 100 metres inside the tunnel using specialised equipment and were preparing to bring in heavy machinery to advance further.
Srivastava also highlighted the challenging conditions at the site, describing the ground as swamp-like and the terrain as difficult.
“Saw firsthand the difficult swamp-like ground and challenging terrain in which our and Nepali teams are making progress. Even though the conditions are tough, both Indian and Nepali teams continue their work undeterred,” he said.
India has stepped up its assistance to flood-ravaged Nepal. On Wednesday, it delivered a fifth tranche of more than five tonnes of essential medicines to the affected country, along with an 11-member rescue team.
India has also deployed a forensic team to Nepal as part of its assistance and relief efforts.
