Nepal’s rescue efforts are currently focused on locating 933 hydropower workers who have remained uncontactable since August 26. Many of these individuals are believed to be trapped within tunnels at various hydropower project sites affected by severe flooding. The situation calls for urgent intervention, prompting assistance from expert teams from neighbouring India and China. Officials report that over 600 individuals are stranded in tunnels across different project locations.

The flash floods that triggered this emergency situation are thought to have been caused by an ice and rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border. Subsequent floods have caused extensive destruction to towns and villages in both northern and central Nepal. The calamity has already claimed the lives of more than 900 individuals, while approximately 4,500 continue to be reported missing.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority confirmed on August 31 that 933 workers were untraceable in the hydropower sector. Rescue operations thus far have led to the recovery of 279 individuals from various tunnels, with most rescues occurring at the Upper Trishuli-1 site.

Distribution of Missing Persons Across Project Sites

Reports indicate that the workers are scattered across multiple project sites, with the Upper Trishuli-1 project particularly hard-hit. Here, around 500 employees, workers, and engineers from this 216-megawatt under-construction site are still unaccounted for, with an estimated 400 reportedly trapped inside tunnels. The situation is dire, as further investigations indicate 213 missing at Upper Trishuli-3B, 93 at Rasuwagadhi, and 42 each at Upper Trishuli-3A and Langtang Khola. Additional figures include seven missing at Melung Khola and two at Middle Trishuli, while various smaller counts exist across other sites such as the Trishuli Hydropower site and the Trishuli 3B Hub Substation.

Efforts to reach trapped individuals are intensifying. In flood-impacted Nuwakot, the Nepali Army has escalated their operations by employing heavy machinery and using blasting techniques to create access points to the Upper Trishuli-3A project tunnel, where individuals are believed to be trapped. Heavy equipment has been airlifted to the area, and specialised teams are utilising trained dogs for search purposes.

According to updates from the Nepal Prime Minister’s Office, a dedicated team of 90 personnel, including members of the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police, has been established to enhance these efforts. This team has made progress in accessing tunnels, although initial attempts to communicate with those inside have yielded no response.

Challenges in Rescue Efforts

The emergency situation is compounded by the devastating effects of the floods, which have not only resulted in loss of life but also major structural damage to infrastructure critical to rescue operations. As the efforts continue, rescuers are working to widen access points to expedite the extraction of trapped workers.

Rescue teams are reportedly concentrated on reaching inaccessible areas of the hydropower projects, particularly where the most workers are believed to be trapped. Despite the mounting challenges, authorities remain committed to locating those who are missing and facilitating their safe recovery.

The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as rescue operations evolve and conditions are assessed. The tragic disaster has underscored the vulnerabilities of the ongoing hydropower projects in the region, raising concerns about safety protocols in high-risk areas.

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