In the aftermath of devastating flash floods that hit Nepal last week, rescue teams are frantically working to reach over 900 workers trapped in underground tunnels at more than a dozen hydropower projects. The disaster has resulted in the death toll in Nepal nearing 940, with additional casualties reported in Tibet, while thousands remain missing on both sides of the border. Approximately 500 of those unaccounted for are believed to be trapped within hydropower site tunnels in the severely affected Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. As the search efforts intensify, experts are increasingly concerned about the dwindling oxygen levels within the tunnels, which are seen as a major obstacle to the survival of those trapped. Survivors who managed to escape the flooding have reported that many of their colleagues were still inside when the torrents hit.
The rescue operation, however, is facing significant challenges due to the destruction of bridges, erratic river flooding, and the difficult terrain that complicates access to the affected areas. This has necessitated a heavy reliance on helicopters to conduct rescue missions, while countries from the region have offered temporary bridge equipment to reestablish access routes. The sheer volume of debris has rendered it extremely difficult to clear blocked tunnels, prompting crews to employ blasting techniques at some locations in an attempt to reach those trapped. Furthermore, the flood has severely impacted the country’s power generation capabilities, knocking a substantial portion offline.
Rescuers have described the dire conditions within the tunnels, where mud reaches chest height in some areas and visibility is significantly compromised. Despite the grim circumstances, there remains a sliver of hope that some workers may have reached safe zones within the tunnel networks that could enhance their chances of survival. Beyond the immediate human toll, the disaster has wreaked havoc on countless communities, displacing tens of thousands and sparking renewed concerns about the destabilizing effects of climate change on glacial and mountainous regions. Nepalese authorities have characterized the flooding as an unparalleled natural disaster, mobilizing tens of thousands of security personnel and volunteers to assist in the relief efforts.
International aid has been swift, with neighboring countries contributing specialized rescue teams, financial aid, and technical expertise to support the ongoing operations. Among the devastation, there have been moments of hope, such as when rescuers successfully pulled a young child alive from the mud. However, the disaster has also highlighted issues in cross-border data sharing, particularly concerning glacier and water-level information. Some officials have voiced concerns that these data-sharing gaps could hamper future disaster preparedness across the region.