WAPDA says no damage to main tunnel after incident at Tarbela 5th extension project

CT Report 

ISLAMABAD:  The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) said Monday that there was no damage to the main tunnel or other major structures at the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project following a water ingress incident during excavation work.

According to a WAPDA press release, a weak rock mass collapsed during excavation of the second bench of the connecting tunnel, allowing water from the intake pit to enter the tunnel and the powerhouse area.

All workers were safely evacuated immediately, with no injuries or loss of life reported, WAPDA said.

The authority said water from the intake pit had been completely drained and no further water was entering downstream work sites. Dewatering operations in the under-construction powerhouse had also begun.

Senior WAPDA officials, along with the project engineer and contractor, are assessing the situation to address any potential challenges to the project.

WAPDA also dismissed reports circulating about the collapse of the T-5 tunnel, describing them as incorrect.

It said there was no damage to the main tunnel, under-construction powerhouse, tailrace culvert or switchyard.