TARBELA – Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has clarified that a rock collapse during excavation work at the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project caused water to enter the tunnel and the under-construction powerhouse area.
Tarbela Project Collapse Updates
According to WAPDA, the incident occurred during excavation of the second bench of the Connecting Tunnel, where a weak rock mass collapsed, allowing water from the Intake Pit to flow into the tunnel and powerhouse area. Officials said all workers were immediately evacuated safely following the incident, adding that no injuries or loss of life had been reported.
The authority further stated that water from the Intake Pit had been completely drained and no additional water was entering the downstream work areas. Dewatering operations at the under-construction powerhouse have also commenced.
Senior WAPDA officials, along with the project engineer and contractor, are assessing the situation to address any potential challenges to the T5 project.
Clarifying reports circulating about the incident, WAPDA said claims of the T5 tunnel collapsing were incorrect. The authority made it clear that there was no damage to the main tunnel, under-construction powerhouse, tailrace culvert or switchyard.
WAPDA reiterated that all workers remained safe and that the situation was being assessed by the relevant project officials.
