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Published: 2026-09-04T07:57:07.121Z • Permanent link

Rescue efforts for the dozens of people trapped in the tunnel at the hydropower project have been ongoing since last week's devastating flood. According to officials, several teams of experts have been working tirelessly to locate and free those still trapped. The project, operated by Swiss-based hydroelectric giant, Alpiq, has been under scrutiny for its safety record in recent years. In 2020, a similar incident at a nearby dam resulted in the loss of several lives, prompting calls for improved safety measures.

Efforts to identify the number of survivors are being hindered by the remote location of the tunnel, which is located deep within the project's infrastructure. Local authorities have set up a command center to coordinate the rescue efforts, but officials are still working to confirm the extent of the damage. In a statement, Alpiq CEO, Marco Bizzotto, expressed his concern for the trapped individuals, saying "Our thoughts are with the families of those affected and we are doing everything in our power to ensure their safe release.

Meanwhile, experts have raised questions about the design and construction of the tunnel, citing concerns over the project's safety record and regulatory compliance. According to a report by the International Hydropower Association, Alpiq has faced several fines and warnings from regulatory bodies over the past decade for non-compliance with safety standards.

Regulatory bodies and industry experts are already grappling with the implications of this disaster on the hydropower sector as a whole. The incident has raised questions about the adequacy of safety measures in place at hydropower projects around the world. In the United States, for example, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has faced criticism for its handling of similar incidents in the past. The incident has also sparked calls for increased transparency and accountability within the industry.

The incident has also raised concerns about the impact on Alpiq's stock price and reputation. Shares of the company have fallen significantly in the past 24 hours, and investors are watching closely to see how the company responds to the crisis. In a statement, Alpiq's Chairman, Urs Geiser, said "We are deeply concerned about the situation and are working closely with regulatory bodies and local authorities to ensure the safe release of those trapped.

The incident is part of a larger pattern of accidents and incidents at hydropower projects around the world. In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents at dams and hydroelectric power plants, including the 2014 Vajont Dam disaster in Italy, which killed over 2,000 people. These incidents have highlighted the need for improved safety measures and regulatory oversight in the industry.