Nepal Rescues 2 Workers From Hydropower Tunnel After 9 Days
Rescuers in Nepal have successfully pulled two hydropower workers alive from a tunnel nine days after devastating floods struck the region. The dramatic rescue offers a glimmer of hope amidst widespread devastation and ongoing search efforts for hundreds still believed to be trapped.
Key Highlights
- Two workers rescued alive from Nepal hydropower tunnel.
- Workers were trapped for nine days after devastating floods.
- Floods were likely caused by a glacial collapse.
- Rescue efforts are ongoing for hundreds more.
- The rescue took place at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project.
In a remarkable display of resilience and dedication, rescue teams in Nepal successfully pulled two hydropower workers alive from a tunnel on Friday, September 4, 2026, nine days after they were trapped by devastating flash floods. The floods, which were likely triggered by a glacial collapse on the China-Nepal border on August 26, 2026, caused widespread destruction, killing over 1,200 people and leaving thousands missing. The two rescued men, identified as mechanical foreman Sanjay Shah, 30, and mechanical supervisor Kabir Maharjan, 45, were trapped deep within the Trishuli 3A hydropower project tunnel. Their survival, after being entombed for nine days, has been hailed as a miracle and has ignited hope for the possibility of finding more survivors. The dramatic rescue unfolded after search teams detected voices emanating from within the tunnel. Images and videos shared by Nepalese authorities showed the workers, covered in mud, being carefully carried out by rescuers and soldiers, to the sound of cheers and applause. Both rescued workers were promptly flown to a hospital in Kathmandu for medical evaluation and treatment. While Shah was reported to be in stable condition, Maharjan was in intensive care. The rescue operation was complex and challenging due to the massive amount of mud, debris, and water that had inundated the tunnels, making access extremely difficult. Experts like tunneling specialist Arnold Dix highlighted the crucial role of "Goldilocks zones" – pockets of habitable space within the tunnel – in enabling the survivors' endurance. The floods have had a devastating impact on Nepal, affecting an estimated 84,000 people and causing significant damage to infrastructure, including hydropower projects, which account for about 10% of the country's electricity generation capacity. According to official figures, at least 1,287 people were killed, and over 5,000 remain missing in Nepal, with an additional 21 deaths and 541 missing reported on the Tibet side of the border. Authorities estimate that around 900 workers were missing from 12 hydropower projects, with approximately 500 believed to be trapped in tunnels. The Trishuli 3A tunnel alone was believed to have around 115 workers trapped. International aid organizations, including the UN and the EU, have stepped in to provide humanitarian assistance, with appeals for millions of dollars to support relief and recovery efforts. The rescue of Shah and Maharjan serves as a powerful testament to the courage of the rescue teams and the indomitable spirit of survival, while the broader search and relief operations continue amidst the challenging conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many workers were rescued from the Nepal hydropower tunnel?
Two workers, Sanjay Shah and Kabir Maharjan, were rescued alive from the Trishuli 3A hydropower tunnel.
What caused the floods in Nepal?
The devastating floods in Nepal were likely caused by a glacial collapse on the China-Nepal border on August 26, 2026.
How long were the workers trapped in the tunnel?
The two rescued workers were trapped in the tunnel for nine days before being rescued on September 4, 2026.
What is the estimated number of people missing or dead due to the floods?
As of September 4, 2026, over 1,200 people have been killed, and more than 5,000 remain missing in Nepal.
What is the significance of the 'Goldilocks zones' mentioned in the rescue?
The 'Goldilocks zones' refer to isolated pockets within the tunnel that provided habitable conditions, allowing the trapped workers to survive for an extended period.