Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Nepal Rescuers Search Hydropower Tunnels for 121 Feared Trapped
Nepal is searching tunnels for workers who may be trapped after enormous floods.
About 121 hydropower workers could be inside the tunnels.
Rescuers think some people might still be alive because the tunnels have air pockets and rooms.
Four people have recently been rescued from the disaster area.
The floods began on August 26 after mud and rocks fell into a river near the Nepal-China border.
At least 1,380 people have died, and more than 5,500 are missing in Nepal and Tibet.
Nepal has asked other countries for special rescue supplies.
Officials are still searching instead of holding larger mourning-day events.
Rescuers searched hydropower tunnels for about 121 workers feared trapped in Nepal.
Four people, including a Chinese national, have recently been rescued from flood wreckage.
The disaster began August 26 after a glacier-related mudslide triggered floods along the Nepal-China border.
At least 1,380 people have been killed and more than 5,500 remain missing in Nepal and Tibet.
Nepal requested international aid, including drones, bridges, DNA kits and tunnel-rescue equipment.
- Who
- Nepali rescue teams are searching for hydropower workers, while authorities in Nepal and China continue broader rescue operations.
- What
- Rescuers are looking for about 121 workers feared trapped in hydropower tunnels after deadly floods and mudslides.
- When
- The search continued on Monday, the 13th day after the disaster, which began on August 26.
- Where
- The main search is in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, including the Chilime hydropower project, while affected areas extend along the Nepal-China border and into Tibet.
- Why
- A glacier-related collapse sent mud and rock into a river, causing floods that buried tunnels, roads, towns and villages.
- Potentially trapped hydropower workers
- About 121 of roughly 900 people missing from hydropower projects could be trapped in tunnels.
- Recent rescues
- Four people were rescued in recent days, including a Chinese national, two hydropower workers and a Nepali woman.
- Deaths and missing
- At least 1,380 people have been killed and more than 5,500 are missing in Nepal and Tibet.
- Disaster date
- The disaster began on August 26.
- Main search location
- The Chilime hydropower project in Nepal’s Rasuwa district is among the search sites.
- Requested assistance
- Nepal requested high-capacity drones, Bailey bridges, DNA testing kits, tunnel rescue suits and epidemic-prevention supplies.
- Mourning observance
- Nepal marked the 13th day after the disaster, traditionally the final day of mourning in Hindu rites, with flags at half-mast.