Rescuers in Nepal have found two survivors trapped in a hydropower tunnel, offering a rare glimmer of hope after a devastating flood impacted Tibet and swept into Nepal. More than 1,300 people have died and thousands remain missing in the broader disaster, according to reports.
In the early hours of Friday morning, rescue teams at the Trishuli 3A hydropower site reported hearing sounds believed to be voices from within the tunnel. Responders called out to the trapped individuals, and received a faint "okay" in response. Crews then entered the tunnel and found Sanjaya Shah and Kabir Maharjan. Both were suffering from injuries to their hands and legs, which officials believe may have resulted from crawling through the tunnel. They were subsequently airlifted to the Army Hospital in the capital, Kathmandu.
Mahajan, who was the second survivor rescued, is in critical condition, the prime minister's office stated. Shah was also undergoing medical evaluations. Later, the body of a third individual was discovered in the same tunnel. A local official indicated the body was swollen and could not be immediately identified.
Officials estimate that another 39 people may still be trapped in the Trishuli 3A tunnel, though their condition and whether they are alive remain unknown. Rescue operations are underway at seven hydropower tunnels across Nepal where over 150 people are feared to be trapped, in addition to 19 other affected areas.
The full impact of the flood in Tibet, believed to have been triggered by a collapsed glacier near the Langtang Lirung peak, remains unclear. Chinese state media has released images showing the devastation along the border but has provided limited information regarding victims or the impact on local communities.