04.09.2026 11:01
Two workers who had been trapped for nine days in a tunnel of a hydroelectric power plant after a flood disaster on the Nepal-China border have been rescued alive. It is estimated that 39 more people are still in the tunnel; more than 1,200 people died in the disaster, and 5,000 are missing.
After the flash flood on the Nepal-China border nine days ago that claimed more than 1,200 lives, two workers trapped in a tunnel of a hydroelectric power plant have been rescued alive. Rescue teams reported hearing sounds from the tunnel, and it is estimated that at least 39 more people remain inside.
TWO WORKERS RESCUED AFTER 9 DAYS
In a hopeful development in the search and rescue efforts following the devastating flood in Nepal nine days ago, Sanjaya Shah and Kabir Maharjan, who were trapped in the tunnel of the Trishuli 3A Hydroelectric Power Plant filled with mud and debris, were brought out alive after nine days.
Officials from the Nepal Electricity Authority reported that the two workers were taken to the hospital by helicopter after being rescued. It was stated that Shah and Maharjan had wounds on their hands and legs, likely caused by crawling through the tunnel, and were affected by oxygen deficiency.
EFFORTS CONTINUED FOR DAYS
Rescue teams had been working for days to clear the 50-60 meters of debris blocking the tunnel entrance. While air was pumped into the tunnels, teams conducted excavation work to reach sections filled with mud and rubble. According to local media, when sounds were heard from inside the tunnel this morning, teams called out, "Don't panic, we've come to rescue you," and a weak reply of "okay" came from within.
39 MORE PEOPLE IN THE TUNNEL
Officials announced that 39 more workers are estimated to be in the Trishuli 3A tunnel, but it is not yet known how many of them are alive. It is also stated that more than 150 people may still be trapped in the tunnels of other hydroelectric plants across Nepal.
Arnold Dix, President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Structures Association, described the rescue of the two workers as a hopeful development for further rescues after days of efforts.
It is reported that more than 1,200 people lost their lives and about 5,000 people are still missing in the disaster on the Nepal-Tibet border. While the cause of the disaster is being investigated, initial assessments suggest that the flash flood may have been caused by a glacial collapse.