Sikkim NHPC tunnel disaster: Search continues for Malaysian geologist

A view of the under-construction tunnel site in Sikkim’s Namchi district after it collapsed following a suspected methane explosion on July 22, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

Rescue operations are in full swing to trace the people who were trapped in the under-construction Teesta Stage-VI Hydropower Project tunnel of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) in Namchi district of south Sikkim. An under-construction tunnel collapsed following an explosion in the “Head Race Tunnel” (HRT) and a geologist from Kottayam is feared trapped inside the tunnel after a landslide blocked its entrance on Monday.

Anish Mohan (43), a native of Illivalav in Manarcad, is among the dreaded inmates. He has been working with NHPC since 2010 and currently works as a remote sensing manager. According to officials of NoRKA-Roots, the field agency of the Ministry of Non-Resident Keralite Affairs (NoRKA) under the Government of Kerala, a search is on for him.

NHPC officials informed that steps have been taken to bring Mr. Mohan’s family to the accident site. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Directorate General of Mine Safety (DGMS) and the local administration are jointly conducting rescue operations in coordination with the Government of Sikkim.

The disaster occurred on July 20 at 1:04 p.m. Methane trapped inside the rock was suddenly released and caused an explosion. This led to thick smoke and toxic gases filling the tunnel. Up to 25 people were trapped in the tunnel at the time of the accident. Of these, 12 were officially confirmed as dead. Namchi District ADM said 8 of the 12 bodies found have been identified.

Published – 22 Jul 2026 23:51 IST