SWABI: Water entered a powerhouse and tunnel under construction at the Tarbela Dam Fifth Extension Project (T-5) on Monday after a section of rock gave way at the site. WAPDA said no workers were injured or killed.
An emergency was declared at the site, construction was suspended, and all workers were evacuated safely.
WAPDA said a weak section of rock collapsed during excavation, allowing water from the intake pit to flow into the powerhouse and tunnel. Senior officials, project engineers and the contractor were assessing the situation to determine what steps were needed to address potential problems at the project.
WAPDA dismissed reports that the T-5 tunnel had collapsed and said the main tunnel, the unfinished powerhouse, the tailrace culvert and the switchyard had sustained no damage.
A senior district administration official said there was no immediate risk of flooding or waterlogging downstream of the dam. Swabi Deputy Commissioner Nasrullah Khan said additional water had been released from the dam due to unavoidable circumstances and that the release could increase the flow and water level of the Indus River.
WAPDA said it had stopped the flow from the intake pit and that no more water was entering the construction areas. Crews had begun removing water from the unfinished powerhouse. Haripur Deputy Commissioner Waseem Ahmed said officials were assessing the tunnel, powerhouse and other structures for possible damage.
