Around 121 Workers Likely Trapped in Flood-Damaged Nepal Hydropower Tunnels

Following the Bhotekoshi floods, the Nepali Army says an estimated 121 people remain trapped inside tunnels of damaged hydropower facilities. While earlier figures put the number of unaccounted persons at about 900, the army explained that most of those are workers linked to the projects rather than individuals inside the tunnels. The floods have impaired around 11 hydropower sites, with several located in Rasuwa district.

Rescue operations involve joint teams of army personnel, rapid response units and project representatives, employing excavators, pumps and thermal imaging to clear debris and locate survivors. Specific efforts are underway at Rasuwagadhi, Trishuli 3A, Trishuli 3B, Chilime Hydro and Upper Trishuli-1, with some tunnels already cleared and others still being searched. The army will continue operations until all tunnels are breached or the government orders a halt.