Nepal rescues 2 workers alive from tunnel after floods
Rescue teams in Nepal found two workers alive who were trapped in a tunnel of a hydroelectric plant nine days after floods that devastated the country. The first survivor was removed during a military operation, and a parliamentarian confirmed the rescue of a second person. The floods, likely caused by the collapse of a glacier, left at least 1,259 dead and more than 5,000 missing.
Nepalese rescue workers have found two workers trapped in a tunnel nine days after floods ravaged the country, officials said on Friday. The first survivor was removed from the Trishul 3A tunnel during an operation led by the Nepalese Army. Shortly after, a parliamentarian in the country said a second person was also rescued alive.
Images shown by local broadcasters showed one of the workers covered in mud and being carried on the shoulders of a first responder. The medical teams were still at the rescue site. The operation mobilized military and specialized search and rescue teams, who worked for days in adverse conditions.
Dramatic rescue after nine days
The Trishul 3A tunnel, where the workers were trapped, is part of a hydroelectric project in the region affected by the floods. Rescuers used heavy equipment and manual excavation techniques to reach the survivors. Despite the difficulties, the withdrawal of the first worker was successfully completed, and the second rescue was confirmed shortly afterwards by a local parliamentarian.
The source did not detail the health of the rescued, but images show that one of them was conscious and received immediate medical attention. The rescue operation continues in other areas as hundreds of workers are still missing in hydroelectric power tunnels in the region.
Devastating floods hit Nepal
The floods hit Nepal on August 26 and, according to officials, were probably caused by the collapse of a glacier. The disaster has devastated cities and valleys in various regions of the country, destroying infrastructure and leaving thousands of people homeless. Entire communities have been swept away by the force of the waters, and the number of victims continues to rise as searches advance.
According to the national disaster management agency, at least 1,259 people have died and more than 5,000 are still missing. On the Tibetan side of the border, China said 21 people had died and 541 were still missing. The tragedy is considered one of the worst in recent history of Nepal, a mountainous country vulnerable to natural disasters.
Hundreds of workers still missing
Searches continue in affected areas and in power generation projects. Local authorities estimate that about 900 workers are missing at 12 hydroelectric plants. Of this total, approximately 500 may be trapped in tunnels, making the rescue operation extremely complex and urgent.
Rescue teams face challenges such as mud, debris and the risk of new landslides. The priority is to locate the survivors as soon as possible, but the conditions on the ground make it difficult to work. The rescue of the two workers on Friday brought hope to families awaiting news from their loved ones.
Billionaire losses and reconstruction
In addition to the human tragedy, the disaster caused billions of damage. According to Dharma Raj Upreti, head of the National Authority for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, property, housing and infrastructure works suffered estimated losses of at least US$2.56 billion (387.5 billion Nepalese rupees). The value reflects the destruction of roads, bridges, power grids and water supply systems.
The government also estimates that the initial costs of recovery in the first four months will be about US$52.6 million (7.95 billion Nepalese rupees). The resources should be used for road reconstruction, the installation of temporary shelters, and the restoration of drinking water and electricity services. Total reconstruction should take years and require much greater investment.
History of disasters in the region
Last July, floods in Rasuwagadhi destroyed the Friendship Bridge (which marks the border with Tibet), as well as roads and a hydroelectric substation. They also loaded vehicles in Rasuwa, Nepal — Photo: Getty Images via BBC. This history shows the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, aggravated by climate change and glacier melt in the Himalayas.
Nepal, situated between India and China, has mountain topography and fragile infrastructure, which increases the impact of natural disasters. The recurrence of floods and landslides in recent years has led the government to review policies of prevention and response to emergencies, but the challenges are enormous.
Hope in the midst of tragedy
The rescue of the two workers is a rare moment of relief amid a catastrophe of great proportions. Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly to find other survivors, and every life saved renews the hope of affected communities. International solidarity has also been critical, with neighbouring countries and humanitarian organisations offering logistical and financial support.
The people of Nepal now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives and their cities. The authorities promise to investigate the causes of the glacier’s collapse and take measures to reduce the risk of future disasters. In the meantime, searches continue, and the world is closely monitoring efforts to save lives and alleviate the suffering of victims.
For more information on natural disasters and humanitarian actions, continue to follow the Boca no Trombone Portal.
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