Two More Workers Rescued in Nepal Ten Days After Floods

Rescue operation timeline

Ten days after the monsoon floods devastated parts of central Nepal, rescue teams announced the recovery of two more workers from a submerged hydropower tunnel. The latest effort brings the total number of survivors to three, after the first rescue was reported a week earlier.

First survivor rescued

On the fifth day after the disaster, a group of volunteers and Nepalese army engineers managed to pull a construction worker out of the waterlogged tunnel. The individual suffered minor injuries and was taken to a field hospital in Kathmandu for treatment.

Second rescue effort

Following the initial success, the Nepalese government mobilised additional resources, including specialized diving units and heavy‑equipment operators. On the tenth day, two more workers were located near the tunnel entrance and brought to safety. Their rescue was confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs in a brief statement released on the agency’s website.

The hydropower tunnel incident

The tunnel in question is part of a larger hydropower project that supplies electricity to several districts in the central hills. When the floods struck, rising river levels breached the tunnel’s ventilation shaft, flooding the interior with fast‑moving water and debris.

How the flood affected the tunnel

Engineers estimate that more than 1,200 cubic metres of water entered the tunnel within a few hours of the breach. The sudden influx caused a rapid rise in internal pressure, trapping workers who were inside for routine maintenance.

Estimated number of people trapped

Local officials believe that roughly 500 workers, contractors and support staff were present in the tunnel complex when the water entered. While three have now been rescued, many families remain uncertain about the fate of their loved ones.

Challenges faced by rescuers

The rescue operation has been hampered by a combination of natural and technical obstacles.

Terrain and weather conditions

• Steep mountain slopes limit vehicle access to the site.
• Continued rainfall raises the risk of additional landslides.
• Cold temperatures increase the likelihood of hypothermia for both victims and rescuers.

Technical obstacles in the tunnel

• Strong currents make diving operations dangerous.
• Debris and collapsed sections block visual inspection.
• Limited lighting hampers the use of remote‑operated cameras.

To overcome these issues, the Nepalese army has deployed portable generators, inflatable pumps and sonar equipment. International partners have also contributed expertise.

International response and aid

Several organisations have offered assistance since the floods began. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has coordinated the delivery of emergency supplies, while the World Bank has pledged funding for reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

The International Hydropower Association sent technical advisors to assess the safety of the tunnel and to recommend best practices for future projects. Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs continues to update the public through daily briefings.

What the rescues mean for Nepal

Each successful recovery provides a morale boost for families waiting for news and for the rescue crews working under difficult conditions. The three survivors have been hailed as symbols of resilience, and their stories are being shared across local media to encourage solidarity.

At the same time, the limited number of survivors highlights the scale of the tragedy. Humanitarian agencies are urging donors to accelerate funding for search operations, medical care and temporary shelter for displaced residents.

Looking ahead: rebuilding and preparedness

In the weeks to come, Nepal faces two parallel tasks: locating any remaining victims and rebuilding the damaged hydropower infrastructure. Experts recommend a comprehensive risk assessment that incorporates climate‑change projections, as monsoon intensity is expected to increase.

Key steps identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs include:

1. Strengthening early‑warning systems for flood events.
2. Reinforcing tunnel ventilation shafts to prevent water ingress.
3. Training local workers in emergency evacuation procedures.
4. Establishing rapid‑response teams equipped with specialized rescue gear.

Community leaders are also playing a role by organising volunteers to clear debris and by distributing information about safe routes away from flood‑prone zones.

While the path to full recovery will be long, the recent rescues demonstrate that coordinated effort, both domestic and international, can save lives even in the most challenging circumstances.