All Workers Safely Evacuated After Rockfall Sends Water Into Tarbela Powerhouse
Published: November 9, 2026 | Category: Pakistan News
Search Description: All workers were safely evacuated after a rockfall caused water to enter the tunnel and under-construction powerhouse at Pakistan’s Tarbela Fifth Extension Hydropower Project. WAPDA has started dewatering operations and is assessing the situation.
Tarbela Powerhouse Incident: All Workers Rescued Safely After Rockfall
HARIPUR, Pakistan — November 9, 2026: All workers have been safely evacuated following a water inflow incident at the Tarbela Dam Fifth Extension Hydropower Project (T-5), after a weak section of rock collapsed during excavation work.
According to the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), the incident occurred during excavation of the second bench of the connecting tunnel. The rockfall allowed water from the intake pit to enter the tunnel and the under-construction powerhouse area.
The incident prompted an immediate emergency response, with workers moved away from the affected construction areas to ensure their safety.
WAPDA Confirms Safe Evacuation
WAPDA confirmed that all workers were evacuated safely and no injuries or loss of life were reported.
The authority also clarified that reports circulating about the collapse of Tarbela's main Tunnel No. 5 were incorrect. According to its statement, the main tunnel, under-construction powerhouse, tailrace culvert and switchyard did not sustain damage.
The clarification was issued to address concerns and prevent misinformation about the condition of the major hydropower project.
Water Removal Operations Underway
Following the incident, WAPDA confirmed that water from the intake pit had been completely drained.
Dewatering operations at the under-construction powerhouse have also started to remove the accumulated water and assess the affected areas.
Officials are monitoring the situation to ensure that the construction site is safe before further activities can take place.
Senior WAPDA officers, project consultants, engineers and contractors are assessing the situation and examining the challenges created by the incident.
What Is the Tarbela Fifth Extension Project?
The Tarbela Fifth Extension Hydropower Project is an important energy initiative designed to increase Pakistan's electricity generation capacity.
The project aims to add approximately 1,530 megawatts of electricity through three generating units, each with a capacity of 510MW.
Once completed, the extension is expected to increase Tarbela Dam's installed electricity generation capacity from 4,888MW to 6,418MW.
The additional generation capacity is expected to strengthen Pakistan's hydropower resources and support the country's growing electricity requirements.
Safety and Project Assessment Remain Priorities
The latest incident has raised questions about construction-site safety and the technical conditions surrounding excavation activities.
A detailed assessment by WAPDA and the project team will be important in identifying the cause of the incident and determining the steps required before construction resumes.
For now, the safe evacuation of workers is the most significant development. Authorities are continuing their assessment while water-removal operations progress at the construction site.
Conclusion
The rockfall-related water inflow at Tarbela's Fifth Extension Project created an emergency at the under-construction powerhouse, but all workers were safely evacuated.
WAPDA has confirmed that the main project structures were not damaged and that dewatering operations have begun. Further developments will depend on the technical assessment and safety review.
SEO Headline: Tarbela Powerhouse Incident: All Workers Safely Evacuated After Rockfall
Image Alt Text: Water enters the under-construction powerhouse at Tarbela Dam's Fifth Extension Hydropower Project after a rockfall incident.
Image Title Text: Tarbela Dam Powerhouse Rockfall Incident – November 2026
Source: WAPDA, Radio Pakistan, Dawn and The News International.