Dolakha Flood: One Missing, Four Workers Trapped as Sipring Khola Hydropower Dam Damaged

Following continuous heavy rainfall, a massive flood in the Sipring Khola (stream) located in Gaurishankar Rural Municipality, Dolakha, has swept away an elderly man, while four employees working at the hydropower project are trapped in a precarious situation.

Local resident Chasman Tamang, approximately 73 years old, from Ward No. 9 of Gaurishankar Rural Municipality, went missing after being swept away by the flood that occurred around 11:00 PM last night.

According to Ward Chairman Nim Geli Sherpa, Sukadev Shrestha, Surya Bahadur Tamang, Kalyan BK, and Binod Shrestha—who were working at the Sipring Khola Hydropower Plant—are trapped between two streams due to the flood. He stated that they are unable to move to a safe location and require immediate rescue.

The flood has also caused damage to the dam side of the Sipring Khola Hydropower Plant. As the stream eroded land on both sides, the project site faces increased risk, and the trapped workers are currently awaiting rescue.

Ward Chairman Sherpa mentioned that rescue operations are facing severe difficulties because the Sipring Khola is still continuously flooding. He added that reaching the site remains a major challenge for the rescue team until weather conditions improve.

The local administration, security agencies, and relevant authorities have stated that efforts are being coordinated to search for the missing elderly man and to safely rescue the four trapped individuals. Due to persistent rainfall, water levels in Dolakha's rivers and streams are rising, prompting authorities to urge residents in coastal and riverbank areas to maintain high vigilance.