**Title: Hope Remains for Survivors Trapped in Nepal Tunnels, Says Australian Expert**
In the wake of devastating flash floods in Nepal, Australian tunnel safety and disaster expert Arnold Dix has expressed optimism regarding the ongoing rescue efforts for workers trapped in the tunnels of the Upper Trishuli-3A hydropower project. Days after the disaster, which occurred on August 26, rescuers are still searching for survivors among the debris.
Dix, who is providing remote assistance to the rescue operation, emphasized the importance of maintaining hope. In a recent LinkedIn post, he stated, “The operation at Trishuli 3A is proceeding as a rescue, not a recovery.” His comments come as footage from the time of the flood shows approximately 30 individuals seeking shelter in the power station tunnels, raising hopes that some may still be alive.
Highlighting the potential for survival in such situations, Dix noted that tunnels can often remain stable even after significant destruction occurs above ground. He pointed out that these environments may contain breathable air and spaces where individuals could survive for extended periods. “Silence is not evidence of death. It is only the absence of a signal,” he remarked, referencing successful rescues in previous incidents in Chile, Thailand, and India, where individuals survived underground for days without communication.
Rescue teams are actively working across more than a dozen hydropower sites along the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli corridor, with a dedicated 93-member team at Trishuli-3A collaborating with Chinese tunnel specialists. Additionally, teams from India and South Korea are assisting at other affected sites, demonstrating a coordinated international response to the disaster.
As the rescue operations continue, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has reported alarming statistics: 1,252 people have been confirmed dead, while 4,216 individuals remain unaccounted for. Among those missing, approximately 900 are workers from hydropower projects. Despite the grim numbers, authorities have successfully rescued 11,993 people from the affected areas.
The floods, which swept away settlements near Nepal’s border with China, have prompted the deployment of over 21,000 security personnel to assist in rescue efforts. These teams are engaged in clearing mud, rocks, and damaged infrastructure to facilitate access to the hardest-hit areas. The authorities estimate that around 20,000 homes will need to be rebuilt in safer locations to prevent future tragedies.
Dix's experience includes advising on the 2023 Silkyara tunnel rescue in northern India, where all 41 workers trapped after a collapse were successfully rescued after 17 days. He compared the scale of the current operation in Nepal to “23 Silkyaras going on at the same time,” underscoring the magnitude of the ongoing efforts.
As rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors, the message from experts like Arnold Dix serves as a reminder that hope remains a vital component in the face of disaster. The situation continues to evolve, and the international community is closely monitoring the developments in Nepal, hoping for positive outcomes in the rescue efforts.