TARBELA: A rock collapse during excavation work at the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project on November 9, 2026, caused water from the Intake Pit to enter the tunnel and the under-construction Power House area.
Tarbela 5th Extension Project: Incident Occurs During Excavation of 2nd Bench Connecting Tunnel
According to an official statement, the incident occurred during excavation of the 2nd Bench Connecting Tunnel, where a weak rock mass collapsed, allowing water to flow from the Intake Pit into the tunnel and Power House area.
All workers were immediately evacuated safely, and no injuries or loss of life were reported.
The statement said that water from the Intake Pit had been completely drained, with no further water entering the downstream work sites. Dewatering operations at the under-construction Power House have also commenced.
Senior Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) officials, along with the project engineer and contractor, are assessing the situation to address any potential challenges to the project.
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WAPDA also dismissed reports circulating about the collapse of the T-5 main tunnel as incorrect, clarifying that there was no damage to the main tunnel, under-construction Power House, tailrace culvert or switchyard.
The authority reaffirmed that the incident had caused no casualties or injuries among the workforce, while assessment and dewatering activities were underway.
