Nepal hydropower sites are at the heart of flood relief efforts

Rescue teams in Nepal searched tunnels, debris-choked projects and hydropower sites through the weekend. They raced to reach nearly a 1,000 workers who were feared trapped in the flood-devastated districts of the Himalayan nation.

The details about the hydropower project and the rescue efforts are listed below:

1. UPPER TRISHULI-1

Upper Trishuli-1, a 216-MW project under construction, is located on the Upper Trishuli River in the Tibet-bordering Rasuwa District. It's backed by South Korean investors as well as the World Bank IFC.

Nepal's Balen Shah, the Prime Minister of Nepal, said that 250 people were rescued from the site over the weekend. Chinese and South Korean teams continue to work on the site.

2. Upper TRISHULI-3A

Upper Trishuli-3A, a 60 MW hydroelectric power plant in Rasuwa, is operated by the state-run Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

Shah confirmed that the engineers of the army had started blasting operations on the site, where 42 workers have been reported missing. He said that rescue workers from a 90 member team had reached the main tunnel section by Sunday.

3. Upper TRISHULI-3B

Upper Trishuli-3B is a 37 MW hydroelectric project that spans across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and other hard-hit districts. It's owned by the state-run Trishuli Jal Vidhyut Co Ltd.

Shah stated that a team of experts from China and the army,?are assisting in the rescue effort at the project under construction, where 122 persons are believed to be missing.

4. CHILIME HYDROPOWER HYDROPOWER HYDROPOWER HYDROPOWER HYDROPOWER HYDROPOWER HYDROPROJECT

The Chilime Hydropower Project in Rasuwa is believed to be missing eight people. It is located on the right bank of Bhotekoshi River, and has a 22 MW capacity.

Shah stated that an Indian team, working in coordination with the Nepalese army, has carried out aerial studies of the area and is carrying out rescue efforts by using pumps and excavation equipment.

5. LANGTANG KHOLA HYDROPOWER RESOURCE PROJECT

The 20-MW Langtang Khola Hydropower Project located in Rasuwa is estimated to be missing 41 people.

Shah stated that the Nepali army was conducting search and rescue patrols on the site. An 'Indian team' had studied the area with the army, and began further operations using excavators and pumps.

6. MAILUNG KHOLA PROJECT HYDROPOWER

The Mailung Khola Hydropower Project is also located in Rasuwa.

Shah said that a South Korean team, working in coordination with the Nepalese army, conducted an aerial survey of the site. Operations have already begun.

Other than these people, it is believed that more are trapped in various?other?projects in flood-hit areas. Here is a count:

93 ?missing at Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project (111 MW)

4 missing at Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi (120 MW)

2 missing at Middle Trishuli Ganga (15.6 MW)

Trishuli Hydropower Project, 24 MW: 1 Missing

Devighat Hydropower (14.1MW): 1 missing

(source: Reuters)