Rescuers in Nepal are in a race against time to free hundreds of workers believed to be trapped in hydropower tunnels following catastrophic floods and mudslides along the Nepal-China border. The disaster has killed hundreds and left thousands more missing.
On Monday, August 31, 2026, Nepali soldiers were seen conducting rescue operations inside tunnels at various hydropower project sites, including the Langtang Hydropower Project and the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project in the Rasuwa district. Footage released on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, showed search and rescue personnel working to reach more than 600 workers trapped inside mud-filled tunnels along the Trishuli River.
| Nepali soldiers conduct rescue operations inside a tunnel.
Experts emphasize that the first 72 hours are critical for survival, with chances diminishing significantly without access to clean water. Jennifer Horney, a disaster epidemiologist at the University of Delaware, noted that the survival of those trapped depends on factors like access to oxygen, food, and water. She also pointed out the importance of emergency protocols and whether workers were trained on escape routes, though mudslides could have obstructed these exits.
Access to breathable air is another crucial element. While some workers may have had access to oxygen, concerns about suffocation grow six days after the initial floods. Jakob Steiner, a geoscientist at the University of Graz, stated that the tunnels are large enough to accommodate trucks and that efforts are underway to supply oxygen, but the need for food and water remains critical.
| A mud-filled tunnel with water on the floor and a life jacket.
Thomas Chandler, director of Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness, highlighted that considerations include the presence of serious injuries and the feasibility of delivering supplies safely. He referenced a 2023 incident in the Himalayas where 41 Indian workers were rescued after being trapped for 17 days by a landslide, with food, water, and oxygen provided through pipes.
The psychological impact of isolation is also a significant concern for those trapped. The internal climate of the tunnels, whether hot and humid, can accelerate dehydration. Rescued individuals may require extensive supportive care for both physical and mental recovery, according to disaster experts.
| Nepal Army soldiers conduct a search and rescue operation outside a tunnel.
Meanwhile, in Kathmandu, security personnel were seen placing number-tagged pots next to unidentified bodies for mass burial, indicating the scale of the human toll from the devastating floods.
| Security personnel prepare unidentified bodies for mass burial.