Nepal army rescues survivors from hydropower tunnel

The Nepalese army is currently conducting rescue operations inside a hydropower tunnel in Rasuwa district after a flood‑related collapse trapped more than 100 people. Video footage released by the Prime Minister’s office shows soldiers carrying survivors out of the tunnel and crawling through thick mud to reach others still inside. The operation is part of a nationwide response to the recent catastrophic flooding that has claimed at least 475 lives across the country as of Friday.

The hydropower tunnel, part of a larger development project on the Trishuli River, was damaged when heavy monsoon rains caused the surrounding valley to flood. The sudden rise in water level and debris flow undermined the tunnel’s structural integrity, forcing it to close and trapping workers and contractors inside. According to a government update issued on Thursday, the exact number of people trapped is estimated to be over 100, though the precise count remains uncertain as rescue teams continue to search for survivors.

Army engineers and medical teams have been deployed to the site. They are using specialized equipment to clear debris and stabilize the tunnel’s interior. Soldiers have been seen manually removing rubble and transporting injured individuals to safer areas. The mud that has accumulated around the tunnel entrance has made access difficult; rescue workers have had to crawl through it in order to reach those still inside. The footage shows soldiers carrying a wounded man in a stretcher while others hold his legs to keep him upright as they move through the slick surface. The rescue effort is ongoing, with teams working in shifts to keep up with the continuous flow of water and the risk of further collapse.

The flood that struck Nepal on 12 August was the worst in the country’s history, with record‑breaking rainfall saturating the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding districts. The disaster caused widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and transportation networks. In addition to the hydropower tunnel incident, authorities have been dealing with collapsed roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as ongoing threats of landslides in remote areas. The government has mobilized the Nepal Army, police, and civilian volunteers to assist in search and rescue, medical care, and relief distribution.

The death toll from the floods has risen steadily since the first reports. By Friday, official figures showed 475 fatalities, making it the deadliest natural disaster in Nepal in recent memory. The high number of casualties is attributed to the suddenness of the flooding, the lack of early warning systems in some rural areas, and the vulnerability of low‑lying settlements. Local authorities have been urging residents in high‑risk zones to evacuate and have set up emergency shelters in safer locations. The government has also requested international aid to support ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

The hydropower project in Rasuwa has been under construction for several years, aimed at generating electricity to meet Nepal’s growing demand. The collapse of the tunnel has raised concerns about the safety of the project and the potential for additional incidents as the workforce is still present on site. Engineers are currently assessing the structural damage to determine whether the tunnel can be safely reopened or if it must be permanently closed. In the meantime, the army’s rescue teams are focused on locating and extracting all trapped workers and contractors.

The Prime Minister’s office has pledged additional resources to support the rescue operations. The government has also announced plans to review safety protocols for large infrastructure projects in flood-prone areas. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has issued a statement urging all construction sites to conduct risk assessments and to ensure that emergency response plans are in place.

While the rescue efforts in Rasuwa are still ongoing, the broader flood response remains a priority for the Nepalese government. Coordinated efforts between military, police, and civilian agencies aim to locate missing persons, provide medical care to the injured, and restore essential services in affected communities. The country’s emergency management authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and assess the risk of secondary flooding or landslides, especially in regions that have already experienced significant damage.