A 30-year-old worker was rescued from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Nepal on September 4, 2026, after an arduous nine-day ordeal. His survival was attributed to his practice of chanting the ‘Hare Krishna’ mahamantra. The operation took place on Krishna Janmashtami, a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.

Among the survivors of the tragedy caused by a flash flood on August 26 was Sanjay Sah, who was in the control room at the time of the flooding. Another survivor, 45-year-old Kabir Maharjan, was also rescued and subsequently airlifted to the Nepal Army Hospital in Chhauni, Kathmandu, for treatment. Sah was transported to a local hospital in Trishuli in the Nuwakot district.

The flood, which severely affected the Trishuli River corridor, was ignited by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border. This disaster resulted in extensive damage to local infrastructure and left many workers in peril, with over 600 individuals still reported missing from various hydropower projects.

Details of Sanjay Sah’s Experience

In a statement, Sah explained that he remained in the control room out of a sense of obligation to save others’ lives. Shortly after the flood struck, he instructed others to evacuate. However, by the time they managed to escape, he was unable to do so himself. Inside the tunnel, he maintained hope, believing that he could communicate with others trapped nearby.

Sah reported hearing voices and sounds from three or four individuals, suggesting that others might also be alive in the tunnel. Despite the perilous situation, his faith saw him through the ordeal, with chanting providing him solace during the lengthy wait for rescue.

Even after his extraction, Sah expressed concerns that not all workers may have been fortunate enough to escape the floodwaters. He noted the considerable length of the tunnel and feared that the force of the flood could have pushed individuals deeper within.

Impact of Flooding and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The recent flooding has been described as one of the most catastrophic events in Nepal’s recent history. The Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal has announced that over 600 workers remain unaccounted for, compounding the distress for families and communities impacted by the disaster.

In the aftermath of the floods, over 1,250 people have reportedly lost their lives, with more than 4,700 individuals still missing. The devastating effects have extended throughout northern and central Nepal, obliterating homes, roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure.

Rescue operations have intensified, utilising specialised equipment and teams working around the clock to locate and assist those who may still be trapped. In this challenging context, the successful rescue of Sah and Maharjan has provided a glimmer of hope for many, although lingering fears remain for others still unaccounted for.

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