ISLAMABAD, November 9, 2026: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has clarified that the main tunnel of the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project remains intact following a rock collapse during excavation work, dismissing reports of a major tunnel collapse.
According to a WAPDA statement issued on November 9, a weak rock mass collapsed during excavation of the second Bench Connecting Tunnel, allowing water from the intake pit to enter the tunnel and the under-construction powerhouse area.
All workers were immediately evacuated safely, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.
WAPDA confirmed that water accumulated in the intake pit had been completely drained, preventing further water from entering downstream construction sites.
Dewatering operations have also begun at the under-construction powerhouse to remove the accumulated water and facilitate further work.
The authority said senior WAPDA officials, along with the project’s engineer and contractor, were assessing the situation to identify potential challenges and determine the necessary measures for the Tarbela-5 project.
WAPDA rejected information circulating about the collapse of the project’s main tunnel, describing such reports as incorrect.
The authority confirmed that the main tunnel, under-construction powerhouse, tailrace culvert and switchyard had sustained no damage.
It also reiterated that the incident caused no loss of life or injuries among the workforce.
The assessment of the affected excavation area remains underway, while dewatering operations continue at the powerhouse construction site.