Haripur, November 9,2026: Water entered a tunnel and the powerhouse at the construction site of the Tarbela Dam 5th Extension Hydropower Project (T-5) after a weak section of rock fell during excavation on Monday, prompting the evacuation of all workers.
In a statement, the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) confirmed that all workers were safely evacuated following the incident.
According to a Wapda spokesperson, the rockfall occurred during excavation of the second bench of the connecting tunnel at the fifth extension project. Subsequently, water flowed from the intake pit into the tunnel and the under-construction powerhouse.
The spokesperson said the water had been completely drained from the intake pit, while dewatering of the powerhouse was also underway. No further water was entering the downstream work sites.
Senior Wapda officials, consultants and the contractor were assessing the situation to identify and address any challenges facing the project.
Wapda rejects reports of Tunnel 5 collapse
The spokesperson dismissed reports circulating about the collapse of Tunnel 5 as incorrect, clarifying that the main tunnel, under-construction powerhouse, tailrace culvert and switchyard had suffered no damage.
Separately, Haripur Deputy Commissioner said a section of the protective embankment at the T-5 project intake had broken after a girder fell.
He said all Pakistani and foreign workers had been evacuated safely. One local worker who was submerged in the tunnel was rescued by local people.
Sources said construction work at the Tarbela T-5 project had been suspended for an indefinite period following the incident.
Wapda issues downstream water discharge alert
Meanwhile, Wapda issued a notification regarding water releases downstream of Tarbela Dam into the Indus River.
According to the notification, water discharge would remain above 150,000 cusecs round the clock.
The notification advised all concerned authorities to make necessary precautionary arrangements, keeping in view public safety.
