Rescuers confront ‘unprecedented’ multi‑tunnel search in Nepal’s flood disaster

KATHMANDU, Sept 7 — Australian rescue expert Arnold Dix described Nepal's flood disaster as an "unprecedented" challenge involving multiple search operations in Himalayan hydropower tunnels. The August 26 glacial and mountain collapse on the China-Nepal border resulted in at least 1,385 deaths and over 5,500 people still missing across both nations.

Among the missing are hundreds of hydropower workers. Rescue efforts have been ongoing for a week, with Dix stating that this situation is unlike anything he has encountered before, involving simultaneous rescue attempts in various locations, each with its unique dangers and uncertainties.

Nepal is observing a national day of mourning in accordance with traditional Hindu customs, yet rescue operations persist at the same pace as day one. According to Nepal Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet, the focus remains on search and rescue across three fronts: ground, air, and tunnel searches. They are committed to ensuring no individual remains stranded.

The discovery of three workers trapped deep within the tunnels, including two Nepalis on Friday and a Chinese individual on Saturday, has instilled optimism about finding additional survivors. Foreign experts, including those from China, India, and South Korea, are collaborating with Nepali teams to aid in the rescue mission. Arnold Dix, a respected adviser following his role in the Indian rescue of 41 men trapped for 17 days in the Silkyara tunnel in 2023, emphasized that their success is measured not only by the lives saved but also by those they refuse to abandon.