Nepal Floods: Over 900 Trapped or Missing at Hydropower Sites

At least 934 workers remain trapped or uncontacted at 11 hydropower sites and tunnels in Nepal’s Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts after Wednesday’s catastrophic flash floods, according to the latest data reviewed by officials. The toll spans multiple nationalities—including Nepali, Indian, South Korean, and Chinese citizens—with rescuers warning the figure could rise above 1,000 due to unregistered laborers at several under-construction projects. The affected sites include operational plants and new developments, complicating search and rescue efforts.

Rescue operations are underway at five construction sites and six operational facilities. As of Saturday morning, only 350 of 576 missing individuals at the Upper Trishuli 1 Hydropower Project (243 MW) had been located. At the Rasuwagadi Hydropower Project (111 MW), 93 people remain uncontacted, while 42 are missing at the Langtang Khola Project (20 MW). The Upper Trishuli 3B (37 MW) and Upper Trishuli 3A (42 MW) projects report 158 and 42 missing, respectively. A senior energy ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that unregistered workers likely increase the actual number of those trapped, particularly at sites managed by companies such as Nepal Water and Energy Development Company and Rasuwagadi Hydropower Company.

Nepal’s Army has deployed 15 helicopters and 84 trained personnel, supported by hundreds of ground rescuers, to conduct aerial and ground operations. Brigadier General Raja Ram Basnet, army spokesperson, confirmed ongoing efforts but declined to provide updated casualty figures, stating that operations are still in progress. Meanwhile, India has dispatched its third relief flight carrying 11 medical and tunnel rescue experts, building on earlier aid shipments totaling 62 tonnes. Indian officials said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) remains on standby, prepared to deploy if Nepal formally requests assistance.

The flash floods, which have killed at least 626 people and left 2,426 missing across Nepal, have drawn international attention. Among the missing are citizens from India, the United States, Ukraine, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore. India accounts for the largest group of foreign nationals unaccounted for, with 183 reported missing, followed by 67 Americans and 61 Ukrainians. Canadian officials have confirmed 32 of their citizens are uncontacted.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to approve the deployment of NDRF teams, citing their expertise in tunnel rescues and disaster response. NDRF units were previously deployed to Nepal after the 2015 earthquake and have since assisted in Turkey and Myanmar. A Home Ministry official confirmed that NDRF personnel are prepared to fly immediately upon request.

The Nepal government continues to coordinate relief and rescue operations, with energy officials emphasizing the need for specialized expertise to prevent further loss of life.

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