In brief
Rescuers have retrieved two workers from a collapsed tunnel in the Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Nepal, more than a week after a catastrophic flash flood hit the border with China. The incident underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure projects in flood‑prone regions. The rescue operation was carried out by local engineering teams using specialized equipment to navigate deep floodwater and debris. The flood has left widespread damage across the valley and disrupted construction timelines. Authorities have urged continued vigilance as rainfall remains heavy and the region remains unstable.
Rescuers have pulled two workers from a tunnel at Nepal's Trishuli 3A hydropower project, more than a week after a massive flash flood devastated the Nepal‑China border area.
The tunnel, part of a hydropower development in the Trishuli valley, was flooded during the storm, plunging the working site below the water line. Rescue crews from the Nepal Public Works Department, assisted by a small local engineering team, used a combination of pumping equipment and manual lifting to clear debris and bring the workers to safety.
According to the department, the two workers were trapped for several days before being located by sonar scanning of the tunnel’s interior. The recovery team worked in a water‑logged environment, constantly monitoring water levels and structural integrity to prevent a secondary collapse.
The incident highlights the heightened risk to construction sites in flood‑prone areas, particularly in the north‑eastern part of the country where riverine activity rises during monsoon seasons. The flood has already inflicted extensive damage on roads, bridges and power lines, halting many projects across the valley.
Local authorities have urged continued caution, noting that rainfall remains heavy and the region continues to be monitored for potential further flooding. The rescue operation was praised as a timely and coordinated effort, demonstrating the capacity of Nepalese engineering teams to respond to natural disasters.
