The odds of survival for those trapped after Nepal flood

Survival in Nepal flood rescue depends on access to oxygen, food and water. Hundreds are feared trapped in hydropower site tunnels after catastrophic flooding along the Nepal-China border. Rescuers raced to free workers on Monday. The chances of survival drop without clean water within 72 hours, according to experts. Emergency protocols in the tunnels could have helped workers locate exits, but mud may have blocked them, hindering rescue efforts.

Access to clean drinking water is critical, and it's unclear if any emergency supplies were already stocked in the tunnels. Access to breathable air is another key factor, with oxygen possibly available to some, but concerns grow as six days pass. Tunnels are large enough for trucks, and oxygen has been delivered to some trapped workers.

Mental effects of isolation also matter, along with injuries and the safe delivery of essential supplies. The climate in the tunnels could affect dehydration rates. Supportive care is crucial for rescued workers who may be weak physically and mentally.