Two Trapped Workers Rescued From Nepal Tunnel 9 Days After Flash Floods; More Survivors Hoped For

September 4, 2026

Kathmandu: Two hydropower workers trapped inside a debris-filled tunnel in Nepal were rescued alive on Friday, nine days after devastating flash floods struck the country’s Rasuwa district.

The workers, identified as 45-year-old Kabir Maharjan and 30-year-old Sanjay Sah, were rescued from the tunnel of the Trishuli 3A hydropower project after a prolonged operation by Nepali security forces and technical teams. Government ministers confirmed that one worker was brought out first, followed by the second shortly afterwards.

#WATCH | Nepal | Rescue workers rescue one person from inside the tunnel of the Trishuli 3A hydel project

Video source: Nepali Army pic.twitter.com/H73CLoPhL5

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2026

#WATCH | Nepal | Rescue workers rescue one person from inside the tunnel of the Trishuli 3A hydel project

Video source: Secretariat of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Govt of Nepal pic.twitter.com/tNZTMoWgIp

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2026

Maharjan was working as a mechanical supervisor at the project, while Sah was employed as a foreman.

The breakthrough has raised hopes that other people trapped inside tunnels and damaged hydropower facilities may also be found alive.

Voices heard inside tunnel raised hopes

The rescue operation intensified after rescuers reported hearing voices from inside the Trishuli 3A tunnel and established communication with people believed to be trapped there.

Nepali Army and Armed Police Force personnel, along with technical experts, had been working to clear huge quantities of soil, rocks and other debris blocking access to the tunnel. Earlier, rescue teams had drilled openings to send air inside and locate the trapped workers.

The tunnel entrance had been blocked by a massive debris pile containing large rocks and iron structures. Rescue teams subsequently managed to create an opening and enter the tunnel while continuing to clear the remaining obstruction.

The rescue of Maharjan and Sah has given fresh hope to families waiting for news of other missing workers. Reports indicate that rescuers have continued hearing voices from inside parts of the affected tunnel, although the exact number of people who may remain trapped is still being assessed.

Nepal flash floods leave thousands missing

The rescue comes as Nepal continues to deal with the devastating aftermath of the August 26 flash floods that hit areas close to the Nepal-Tibet border and caused extensive destruction in northern and central parts of the country.

The disaster severely affected the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, damaging homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.

According to the figures cited in the latest situation updates, the death toll has climbed to 1,282, while thousands of people remain unaccounted for. Search and rescue teams continue to work across the affected areas.

A large number of those still missing are connected to hydropower projects. Earlier official figures indicated that around 900 people working at hydropower projects remained unreachable following the disaster.

Hundreds of children also remain unaccounted for

The disaster has also caused serious disruption to schools and affected children in Rasuwa and Nuwakot.

Education authorities and local officials have been working to verify reports of missing students. Available education-sector data has documented hundreds of students, teachers and education personnel as dead or missing across affected districts.

In Rasuwa and Nuwakot, officials have reported that a significant number of children remain unaccounted for, although the exact figures are still being verified because communications were badly affected by the floods.

Search teams are continuing operations as families await information about missing relatives.

Rescue operations continue across Nepal

The Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, police personnel and technical teams remain engaged in search and rescue operations at multiple locations.

India has also provided assistance. An 11-member specialised rescue team comprising doctors, paramedics and tunnel-rescue personnel was sent to Nepal at Kathmandu’s request, with the team conducting reconnaissance and supporting efforts at affected hydropower projects.

The successful rescue of the two Trishuli 3A workers has provided a major boost to ongoing operations, with rescuers continuing to search for other people who may have survived inside tunnels and other structures buried by the floods.