Kathmandu— More than 200 employees of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) are missing following a devastating flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26. The majority of the missing individuals were working at various hydropower projects when the flooding occurred, and their current status remains unknown. A high-level team from the NEA, coordinating with security agencies, is conducting search and rescue operations, utilizing helicopters and mapping technology to locate those affected. Authorities have warned of continued risks due to potential surges in river levels.

Extent of Missing Personnel

Approximately 20 employees from the Chilime Hydropower Project are among those unaccounted for, along with around 100 workers stationed at Rasuwagadhi and roughly 45 individuals from the Three A powerhouses. Acting Managing Director of the NEA, Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, confirmed these numbers, stating that contact has not yet been established with these employees.

Rescue Efforts Underway

The Nepal Electricity Authority has mobilized a high-level team in conjunction with security forces to conduct search and rescue operations. Helicopters have been deployed to aid in the effort, and Google Maps are being shared to facilitate access to affected areas. The status of employees and laborers potentially trapped inside tunnels remains unknown, adding to the urgency of the situation.

Ongoing Flood Risk

Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha urged both the public and those involved in rescue operations to exercise extreme caution, emphasizing that the risk of further flooding remains high. This warning underscores the precariousness of the situation and the need for continued vigilance as search efforts proceed.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities prioritizing the safety of personnel and monitoring river levels for potential resurgence of flooding.

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.