Nepal teams seek hundreds trapped in hydropower tunnels after deadly floods

On Wednesday, a massive flood struck the Nepal-Tibet border, caused by glacier collapse, resulting in over 900 deaths and 4,247 people still missing. Nepali rescue teams, backed by Chinese and Indian experts, are working tirelessly to reach hundreds believed to be trapped in hydropower project tunnels. More than 900 bodies, many unidentified, have been buried in shallow graves due to the humid weather.

Nepali officials are focusing on reaching 933 workers trapped at 11 hydropower projects, including tunnels, in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. Images and videos show rescue teams digging and shoveling mud and rocks in the dark. Soldiers use controlled blasts, excavators, and searchlights to clear water and mud to reach trapped individuals. They have recovered three bodies from two tunnels, while others remain buried.

The Nepali army spokesperson admitted that the debris deposited in the tunnels makes opening them a significant challenge. On Monday, authorities reported 903 deaths and 4,247 missing, including the 933 workers at hydropower projects. China confirmed 16 fatalities in Gyirong County and 546 people missing. The Red Cross estimates that more than 90,000 people may have been affected, a figure linked to climate change.

The Nepalese government has designated the flood as an "unprecedented and devastating natural disaster," with Prime Minister Balendra Shah appealing for determination in rescue efforts. Nearly 21,000 security personnel, along with civilians and volunteers, are involved. China, on a visit to Kyrgyzstan, pledged its full support in the search for missing individuals, mobilizing over 2,100 rescue workers and allocating $33 million to relief efforts.

Despite Nepal's request for no foreign assistance, it has sought help from India and China due to their expertise in tunnel rescue. Rescue operations have been temporarily halted due to adverse weather and concerns that a lake formed by the disaster could cause further flooding. China's state television reported that another lake upstream has largely drained.

Authorities are now monitoring a 174,000 square meter crater formed by the glacier collapse, which could lead to additional landslides and lakes downstream if breached.