Rescue teams in Nepal pulled two men alive from a blocked hydropower tunnel on September 4, 2026, nine days after devastating flash floods and mudslides struck the region. The disaster has left over 1,259 people dead and thousands missing across multiple stalled hydroelectric projects.
The arduous rescue unfolded at the Trishuli-3A Hydropower Project in Rasuwa, where mud and debris had choked the infrastructure following severe flooding along the Bhotekoshi River, according to on-site reporting. Emergency personnel clearing the tunnel entrance initially uncovered two bodies before pushing roughly 150 meters deeper into the subterranean wreckage, where distinct human sounds guided them to survivors.
Mechanical Supervisor Kabir Maharjan and Foreman Sanjay Shah Pulled From Debris
Rescuers identified the two survivors as mechanical supervisor Kabir Maharjan, 45, and foreman Sanjay Shah, 30, as detailed by regional news desks. Maharjan was found conscious within the tunnel and was subsequently transported to a military hospital in Kathmandu. Shah was discovered deeper inside the passage at roughly 170 meters, unresponsive and unable to speak, prompting emergency crews to airlift him to Battar, northwest of the capital.
The breakthrough came after search parties heard faint noises emanating from deep within the tunnel system. Sriram Neopane, an engineer and independent political party leader participating in the relief operations, shared updates on social media as the rescue unfolded. He noted that multiple faint groans and sounds echoed from the blocked passageways, sustaining hopes that additional individuals trapped underground might still be reached.
Escalating Death Toll Across Twelve Stricken Hydropower Sites
The miraculous recovery offers a rare moment of relief amid an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. Government authorities report that the flash floods have claimed 1,259 lives in Nepal alone, with more than 5,000 individuals remaining unaccounted for. Across the border in Tibet, authorities have confirmed 21 deaths and 541 missing persons.
The destruction has heavily impacted critical energy infrastructure. Official estimates indicate that 12 separate hydroelectric projects lost workers to the disaster, with roughly 900 laborers missing overall. Authorities believe that up to 500 of those missing workers may still be trapped inside inundated tunnels and station ruins.
Search Operations Continue Amid Hopes for More Survivors
Despite the grim statistics, rescue teams are maintaining active search operations in areas where underground noises have been detected. Nepal Communications Minister Bikram Thimilsina expressed cautious optimism regarding ongoing efforts, stating that officials remain hopeful about locating additional survivors as heavy equipment clears away thick layers of silt and mud from the tunnel complexes.
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