Workers safely evacuated as water enters Tarbela powerhouse after rockfall
“Water that entered the tunnel and powerhouse of the Tarbela Dam Fifth Extension Hydropower Project following a rockfall incident has been drained, with authorities confirming that the situation is now…”
A section of rock collapsed during excavation work on the connecting tunnel, injuring one worker and causing water to flow from the intake pit into the tunnel and under-construction powerhouse. Development Authority (WAPDA), the incident occurred during excavation of the second bench of the connecting tunnel after a weak section of rock gave way.
Haripur Deputy Commissioner Waseem Ahmed said work on the project was immediately suspended following the incident. An emergency was also declared at the site, and precautionary measures were taken. Also Read:Wapda chairman visits Tarbela Dam, stresses timely completion of fifth extension project.
He said all workers were safely evacuated, while technical teams from WAPDA and Haripur police were monitoring the situation. Nearby communities faced no threat, he added. WAPDA said water had been completely drained from the intake pit, while efforts to remove the remaining water from the powerhouse were under way.
"Stay connected with Aman-e-Pakistan for ongoing live reporting and verified investigative updates."
Senior WAPDA officials, consultants and contractors were assessing the situation to determine the extent of the incident. The authority also dismissed reports that Tarbela Tunnel No. 5 had collapsed, clarifying that the project's main tunnel and powerhouse sustained no damage.
WAPDA confirmed that all workers had been accounted for and no fatalities had been reported. An investigation is under way to establish the cause of the incident.
Continue Reading: More in National
Swipe or click arrows to explore National desk coverage
