Two workers have been rescued alive from a hydropower tunnel in Nepal nine days after flash floods swept through the Trishuli River valley, raising hopes that others may still be found.
The men were pulled from the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Station in Rasuwa district during a continuing operation by Nepalese soldiers and rescue teams.
They were identified as Sanjay Sah, a mechanical foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a mechanical supervisor, by the office of Nepal’s energy minister. The pair were found around 170 metres inside the tunnel and taken for medical treatment in Kathmandu.
Rescuers heard voices from underground on Friday morning, confirming that survivors were inside and helping them locate the two men. Officials said both were in a stable condition, although Mr Maharjan was reportedly unable to move his hands and legs, while Mr Sah’s injuries were not considered critical.
Search continues for trapped Nepal tunnel workers
Brigadier General Raja Ram Basnet, a spokesperson for the Nepal Army, said one of the rescued workers indicated that more people could still be alive inside the tunnel.
At least 557 workers are missing from the Trishuli 3A project, with about 115 believed to be trapped in its main tunnel, according to the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal.
Across 12 hydropower projects, local authorities estimate that about 900 workers are missing and roughly 500 may be trapped underground. Rescue teams are continuing to clear mud and debris while searching for signs of life.
The floods struck on 26 August after what officials believe was the collapse of a glacier near the upper reaches of the Trishuli River. A surge of water, rock and mud tore through settlements and hydropower sites along the river, killing more than 1,200 people and leaving thousands missing.
Nepal’s communications minister, Bikram Timilsina, said the rescue of the two men had strengthened hopes for further breakthroughs. “We are waiting for the rescue of more and more people,” he wrote on social media.
