Nepal Floods: Two Hydropower Workers Rescued Alive from Tunnel

Nepal experienced devastating flash floods and debris flows on August 26, 2026, primarily affecting the Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Tanahun Districts along the Nepal-Tibet border. The catastrophe, believed to have been triggered by a massive ice and rock avalanche from a glacier on Langtang Lirung in the Himalayas, caused a powerful surge of water down the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli Rivers. This event resulted in widespread destruction, washing away homes, roads, and bridges, and cutting off entire communities. The human toll of the disaster has been immense, with reports confirming over 1,280 deaths in Nepal and more than 5,600 people still missing as of September 4, 2026. An additional 21 deaths and 541 missing persons were reported in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, highlighting the cross-border impact of the floods. The sheer force of the floodwaters was such that the bodies of some victims were carried as far as 240 kilometers into neighboring India. Around 65,000 people, including 22,100 children, have been directly affected by the floods. Amidst the widespread devastation, a dramatic rescue operation on Friday, September 4, 2026, brought a ray of hope when two hydropower workers were pulled alive from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project. The two men, identified as Sanjay Shah, a 30-year-old mechanical foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a 45-year-old mechanical supervisor, had been trapped approximately 170 meters inside the tunnel for nine days. Their rescue followed continuous efforts by emergency teams, including the Nepal Army and specialist crews, who worked relentlessly to clear thick mud and heavy debris blocking the tunnel entrances. The rescue was initiated after search teams detected voices from inside the tunnel on Friday morning, confirming that survivors were still present. Images and videos showed the rescued workers, covered in mud but conscious, being carried out by rescuers to cheers from the teams. Both men were immediately provided emergency care and then flown to a hospital in Kathmandu for further treatment. While Sanjay Shah was reported to be in stable condition, Kabir Maharjan suffered from mild hypothermia and severe exhaustion. The Trishuli 3A hydropower project is one of at least 12 hydropower projects severely impacted by the floods, with a combined capacity of about 748 megawatts. The Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal reported that at least 557 workers are missing from the Trishuli 3A project alone, with approximately 115 believed to be trapped in its main tunnel. Across all affected hydropower projects, about 900 workers remain missing, and around 500 are thought to be trapped in various tunnels. The rescued workers indicated that more people might still be alive inside the tunnels, fueling ongoing search and rescue efforts. Logistical challenges due to damaged infrastructure, including 32 bridges and nearly 40 kilometers of roads, have significantly hampered rescue and aid distribution. The overland route linking Kathmandu to Tibet was completely cut off, with critical border crossings like Gyirong Port destroyed. Aid organizations like UNICEF and CARE Nepal are working with the Nepalese government to provide urgent support, including healthcare, nutrition, safe water, and child protection services. The Nepalese Prime Minister has also appealed to the international community to address climate change more seriously, recognizing Nepal's vulnerability to such extreme weather events.

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