Nepal floods: Over 5,000 still missing; 2 workers rescued alive after 9 days from hydel tunnel
Kathmandu: More than 5,000 people remain missing after devastating landslides and flash floods along the Nepal-China border, while the death toll has crossed 1,250, according to Nepal’s Disaster Management Authority.
Rescue operations have been intensified as officials suspect that hundreds of people could still be trapped inside tunnels of hydroelectric projects flooded by mudslides and raging waters. Nepal Army personnel and other rescue teams are involved in the search and rescue operations.
Two workers found alive after nine days inside flooded tunnel
In a major breakthrough, two workers were rescued alive after spending nine days inside a debris-blocked tunnel at the Trishuli-3A hydroelectric project.
The tunnel was sealed by debris following the flash floods and landslides on August 26. The rescued workers, identified as a mechanical foreman and a mechanical supervisor, were brought out safely and shifted to a hospital for medical examination.
Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha had initially confirmed the rescue of one worker. Later, authorities confirmed that a second worker had also been pulled out alive.
India has also stepped up humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Indian Air Force helicopters and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to support rescue operations and deliver essential supplies, including rescue equipment, medical aid, food and drinking water.
The Union government has also initiated measures to help identify Indians reported missing in the disaster. Biological samples from first-degree relatives of missing persons — including parents, children and siblings — are being collected for DNA profiling.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the initiative is aimed at providing additional assistance to Nepal in identifying those who remain missing after the devastating floods and landslides.
