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Tarbela Dam Incident Water Inflow Forces Emergency Response at Hydropower Project

19 hours ago

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A water inflow incident at Pakistan's Tarbela 5th Extension Project prompted an emergency response, with WAPDA reporting all workers safely evacuated.

By News National Editorial Team

Swabi, November 10, 2026: An incident involving sudden water inflow during excavation work at Pakistan's Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project prompted an emergency response on November 9, with authorities confirming that all workers were safely evacuated.

The incident occurred during construction activities connected to the under-development hydropower facility at Tarbela Dam.

The situation drew attention after reports described a sudden surge of water entering the project area.

What happened at the project?

According to Pakistan's state broadcaster, Radio Pakistan, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) said a weak rock mass collapsed during excavation work on the second bench connecting tunnel.

The collapse allowed water from the intake pit to enter the tunnel and powerhouse area.

WAPDA said an emergency response was initiated and all workers were evacuated safely.

The authority also reported that water from the intake pit had been drained and that dewatering work had begun in the under-construction powerhouse.

WAPDA clarifies damage reports

WAPDA said reports suggesting that the main T-5 tunnel had collapsed were incorrect.

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

It also confirmed that no one had been injured or killed in the incident.

These details are important because initial reports had described a protective bund collapse and a sudden water surge.

Dawn reported on November 9 that a protective bund associated with the under-construction Tunnel-5 had collapsed, triggering water inflow from the reservoir.

The precise technical description and extent of damage should therefore be assessed using the findings of the ongoing engineering review and WAPDA's official updates.

What is the Tarbela project?

Tarbela Dam is a major hydropower and water-management facility in Pakistan.

The wider project plays an important role in electricity generation and water storage.

The fifth extension project is intended to increase the hydropower capacity associated with the existing infrastructure.

Construction work at large hydropower facilities involves complex engineering operations, including excavation, water-control arrangements and underground construction.

Sudden water inflow can create serious safety risks for workers and equipment, making emergency procedures essential.

Why is the incident significant?

The incident highlights the importance of engineering supervision, construction safety and water-control systems during major infrastructure projects.

The safe evacuation of workers is an important development, but technical assessments are still necessary to determine the cause and any impact on the construction schedule.

Officials will also need to evaluate the condition of the affected excavation area before work can safely resume.

What happens next?

WAPDA said senior officials, project engineers and contractors were assessing the situation.

The next important updates will concern the engineering investigation, restoration of the affected area and the timing of construction activities.

At present, there is no official confirmation of fatalities or damage to the main tunnel.

News National will continue following official statements and verified reporting.

Sources:

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