Kathmandu. Various hydropower projects in Rasuwa have been badly damaged by the floods. Hundreds of domestic and foreign employees and workers working in the ongoing and operational projects have been rendered out of contact due to the natural disaster. The Independent Energy Producers’ Association (IP PAN) has said that the rescue operation is also facing challenges due to communication disruption and geographical remoteness.

76 employees of the 216 MW Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project have gone out of contact. Andries of these employees of the hydropower project are half Nepali and half are foreign nationals. Eleven employees of the project’s Nepal Water and Energy Development Company are also out of contact, including 8 Korean nationals.

Similarly, 7 employees of Consultant Z Consultant and Lama Xaviers JV have also been reported missing. A total of 12 people are waiting for rescue in the project’s headworks area and more than 200 people in the project’s powerhouse and (power house).

60 people have been trapped in the tunnel of the 20 MW Langtang Khola Hydropower Project since Wednesday. Among those who went missing are 25 employees and 35 workers. Their condition is still unknown. Although the developer company has taken the initiative for the rescue, it is difficult due to the lack of helicopters.

51 employees working in the 111 MW Rasuwagadhi project have gone out of contact. In the Timure area, 3 workers have managed to save their lives by climbing to a higher place. At present, no communication has been established in that area.

Eight employees of the power house of the 5 MW Mailung Khola Project have been out of contact since Wednesday. Efforts are being made to inspect their condition through helicopters, IPPAN said. Two workers of the civil contractor of the 120 MW Rasuwa Bhotekoshi Hydro Contractor Sinohydro have gone missing. Another 5 employees (3 Chinese and 2 Nepali have taken shelter in a nearby village.They are currently awaiting rescue and are preparing to send a helicopter to bring them to safety.