Nepal rescuers race to reach hundreds feared trapped in hydropower tunnels

Catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border have left over 4,400 people missing and at least 900 workers unaccounted for at 12 hydropower projects. Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed grave concerns for the safety of 43 Australians still missing, with nine of them having crossed into China at the time of the disaster. Rescuers are racing against time to free hundreds believed trapped in tunnels at the affected hydropower sites, as the death toll in Nepal and China has surpassed 950.

Some workers reportedly managed to call for help, while others have not been reached since initial calls for assistance. Rescue efforts are focused on the tunnels, which are large enough for trucks to drive through and have oxygen supply to some trapped workers. The Upper Trishuli-1 and Trishuli-3 Hydropower Projects, both in Nepal's Rasuwa district, have reported significant missing numbers, with around 576 and 300 people, respectively, believed to be trapped in their tunnels.

Chinese authorities reported 16 deaths and 546 missing, with 261 of the missing being foreigners, including over 100 Nepalis. An Australian Air Force C-17A is set to deliver humanitarian aid to Nepal, as part of $8 million in support from the Australian government.