A Chinese national was successfully rescued from a hydropower tunnel in Nepal on Saturday, marking his survival after being trapped for eleven days following devastating floods. The individual, identified as Luhaitao, was located in Audit Tunnel 4 of the Upper Trishuli 1 Hydropower Project. The Nepali Army confirmed the rescue and reported that Luhaitao was found approximately 225 metres inside the tunnel.

Rescue operations in the affected area have garnered attention, especially as this marks the third successful extraction of workers from the Trishuli hydropower projects since the floods. Two Nepali workers, Kabir Maharjan, aged 45, and Sanjay Sah, aged 30, were rescued from a nearby tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower plant a day before, on Friday.

The coordinated rescue effort involved both the Nepali Army and foreign rescuers employing specialised equipment. Following the retrieval, Luhaitao’s health is currently being evaluated while search operations remain ongoing in the flood-stricken area.

Impact of Flash Floods in Nepal

The flash floods that triggered this emergency situation originated from an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on 26 August. This disaster has had a devastating impact, affecting towns and villages in both northern and central Nepal, leading to more than 1,300 confirmed fatalities and approximately 4,900 people reported missing.

The Bhotekoshi River, which flows southward from the Himalayan border region, has exacerbated the situation by carrying floodwaters downstream. These waters have resulted in significant destruction, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Additionally, numerous hydropower projects have sustained severe damage.

It is estimated that nearly 900 workers are unaccounted for across various hydropower projects in Nepal. Moreover, around 500 of those are believed to be trapped within different tunnels as search efforts continue. The widespread scale of this disaster has prompted large-scale responses from local and national organisations.

Continued Search and Rescue Efforts

The rescue of Luhaitao contributes to the ongoing search and rescue efforts in the region, highlighting the challenging circumstances faced by rescue teams. As operations proceed, officials remain vigilant, focusing on locating those still missing and providing aid to affected communities.

The Nepali Army continues to lead efforts to recover trapped individuals. Meanwhile, it is also providing support to those displaced by the floods. As search operations advance, the organisation has reiterated its commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by this disaster.

With the situation changing rapidly, authorities are actively monitoring developments and coordinating with international agencies to enhance local capabilities. Additionally, emergency services have been mobilised to assist affected populations in rebuilding and recovering from the extensive damage caused by this natural calamity.

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