Hundreds of workers feared stuck in hydropower tunnels as Nepal flood deaths cross 900
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Rescuers rushed Monday to reach workers believed to be trapped in tunnels at hydropower sites buried in mud after catastrophic flooding in Nepal and China, as the death toll continued to rise and increasingly desperate families search for their loved ones.
Rescuers are working around the clock to locate workers who may be trapped in tunnels at hydropower sites inundated by floods in Nepal and China. The death toll has risen to over 900, with more than 4,700 people missing across both countries. In Nepal, the Independent Power Producers' Association estimates at least 500 of the 900 missing workers are likely trapped in the tunnels, though authorities offer differing figures.
Some experts say the tunnels could provide enough space for people to take refuge, and access to oxygen may have been provided for some trapped individuals. However, others warn that the likelihood of finding survivors continues to dwindle. Brig. Gen. Raja Ram Basnet, Nepal's army spokesman, said that search and rescue efforts are underway in hills, settlements, and river areas.
Meanwhile, in China, at least 16 people have died and 546 are missing, with 261 of the missing being foreigners, including over a hundred Nepalis.
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