Landslide buries four at Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, status still unknown

KATHMANDU: A devastating landslide struck the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project located in Lamabagar, Bigu Rural Municipality-1, Dolakha, leaving four individuals, including two Nepal Army personnel and two project employees, buried under the debris. Despite rescue efforts, their status remains unknown as of Sunday morning.

The landslide occurred on Saturday morning, destroying a two-story building used to control the gates of the dam. The buried individuals were working near the structure when the disaster struck. According to Mohan Gautam, Chief Executive Officer of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, the rescue team has not been able to reach the site due to the continuous rain and the treacherous terrain.

“The shift change had just occurred around 10:30 AM, and the incident happened at about 11 AM. Two Nepal Army personnel and two contracted employees working on gate operations were caught in the landslide,” Gautam explained. Initial reports suggested that a security guard was also trapped, but it has since been confirmed that the guard was not involved.

Rescue efforts are underway, with preparations for a Nepal Army helicopter to fly to the site. Heavy equipment from Rolwaling Construction, which is involved in the project, is also being mobilized to clear the debris and reach the buried individuals.

“We are also coordinating with the Tamakoshi-5 project to help remove rocks and soil accumulated in the sedimentation pond,” Gautam added.

The landslide has caused significant damage to the dam area, including the headworks of the project. Due to the high water flow in the Upper Tamakoshi River, the project had already halted electricity production on Friday evening at 7 PM, and all the dam gates were opened to relieve pressure.

Footage from the site shows the landslide cascading from the top of the hill, a scenario that project employees described as beyond their worst expectations. With rescue efforts ongoing, the situation remains critical as authorities struggle to locate the four missing individuals.

Nepal’s hydropower projects are highly vulnerable to natural disasters, particularly during the monsoon season when landslides and floods are common across the country. The continuous rainfall in Dolakha has exacerbated the situation, delaying the rescue operations and increasing concerns about the safety of those buried.

As the rescue teams continue their work, the country watches with hope for a positive outcome in this tragic incident.