Nepal’s tunnel survivor wants to help post-flood rebuild

Nepali hydropower worker Kabir Maharjan, 45, who was rescued from a tunnel during catastrophic floods, is determined to aid the country's reconstruction efforts despite his own traumatic experience. Traditional music and tearful relatives greeted Maharjan when he returned home after weeks of recovery at a Kathmandu hospital. He emphasized that life is precious and that he feels compelled to contribute to his society and family.

The August 26 floods, triggered by a glacial mountain collapse, have claimed over 1,400 lives, with over 5,000 people still missing. Maharjan was among hundreds of workers employed at projects hit by the floods and was eventually airlifted from the Rasuwa region. He believes work is essential, stating, "There is risk in everything, but still we have to win over it.

Work is our karma." Over 800 people remain unaccounted for in Nepal's hydropower projects, and the government estimates the overall reconstruction cost could reach US$4.8 billion. Prime Minister Balendra Shah emphasized that the disaster serves as a warning about the dangers of climate change and called for greater international support to help Nepal adapt and rebuild.

Although the floodwaters have receded, aid groups warn that the humanitarian crisis is far from over, and thousands of people are still struggling to recover.