In the aftermath of devastating flash floods that swept through parts of Nepal last week, rescue teams are in a race against time to reach over 900 hydropower workers believed to be trapped in underground tunnels across more than a dozen power projects. The disaster has resulted in a rising death toll, nearing 940 in Nepal, with additional casualties reported in Tibet. Thousands more are still missing on both sides of the border. Most of the trapped workers, around 500, are located in the heavily impacted Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. The perilous conditions inside the tunnels, particularly the decreasing levels of oxygen, have led experts to express concern over the survival chances of those trapped.
Efforts to rescue the workers who remained underground when the floods hit are being severely hampered by a variety of challenges. The destruction of bridges, unpredictable flooding, and rough terrain have made access difficult, forcing rescue teams to rely on helicopter assistance. Neighboring countries have stepped in to provide temporary bridge equipment to facilitate access. Meanwhile, the sheer volume of debris has complicated efforts to clear the blocked tunnels, with some sites resorting to blasting operations to reach those trapped inside. The floods have also disrupted a significant portion of Nepal’s power generation capabilities.
Inside the tunnels, rescuers face difficult and hazardous conditions, with mud reaching chest height and visibility at a minimum. Despite the dire circumstances, there is a sliver of hope as some workers might have reached safe zones within the tunnels that could potentially offer refuge. This natural disaster has affected tens of thousands of people, obliterating entire communities and prompting renewed discussions about the impact of climate change on glacial and mountain areas. Nepal’s authorities have described the flooding as an unparalleled natural disaster, mobilizing tens of thousands of security personnel and volunteers to aid in the response.
The international community has responded robustly, with offers of specialized rescue teams, financial aid, and technical support from neighboring countries, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Amid the widespread devastation, rescuers have encountered moments of hope, notably when a young child was found alive amid the mud. In addition to immediate rescue efforts, there are growing concerns about the exchange of glacier and water-level data between neighboring countries. Some officials fear that inadequate information-sharing could undermine future disaster preparedness in the region.