Aug 31, Kathmandu - Employees of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) have written an urgent plea to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, warning that delays in rescue efforts are putting the lives of stranded workers and personnel involved in various projects at imminent risk. The workers, fearing government repercussions, have used pseudonyms in their letter to highlight the critical need for swift action.

In the letter, they questioned why foreign rescue teams and well-wishers, ready to assist, are not being granted timely permission and coordination. They also expressed concern over the fragmented rescue efforts, where operations are only commencing at one site after completing another, and why all necessary locations cannot be addressed simultaneously. The workers emphasized that every second counts in the rescue mission, which has already experienced significant delays.

"Time is of the essence in rescuing those trapped inside the tunnels. We humbly request immediate steps to accelerate the ongoing rescue operations," the letter states. They underscored that the current situation is extremely serious, and there is no time for lengthy bureaucratic procedures. "Our priority now is solely to save lives. Any delay could result in loss of life," it added.

The employees called for the immediate granting of permissions to capable national and international rescue teams willing to assist, and for the deployment of all necessary resources across affected sites concurrently. They urged the government to intervene without delay, emphasizing, "Please act now. Waiting is no longer an option."

The floods caused by the Trishuli River have severed contact with hundreds of NEA employees and workers involved in projects across multiple sites, including Upper Trishuli 3A, Upper Trishuli 3B, Surua Gadhi, Chilime, Deukhuri, and the Upper Trishuli 3B project. The floodwaters inflicted significant damage, hampering rescue efforts.

The Nepal Army has retrieved two bodies from the Chilime Hydropower Project tunnel, but no other rescues have been successful. Although the army entered the twin-tube road tunnels, they found no one inside and withdrew. However, sources indicate that at least three workers were present at the power house during the incident, and the army left before their rescue.

Besides these sites, hundreds of workers remain unaccounted for at projects including Upper Trishuli 1, Langtang, Mailung River, Rasuwa Bhotekoshi, and Middle Trishuli. Families and stakeholders, frustrated by the government's slow response, are demanding immediate action to save their loved ones.