Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Indian Nepalese Rescuers Push Deeper Into Flood-Hit Chilime Tunnel
A huge flood struck Nepal on August 26 and damaged homes, roads and hydropower projects.
Water, mud and rocks filled parts of the Chilime tunnel.
Indian and Nepali rescuers are going farther into the tunnel to look for people and make the area safer.
They are pumping out water and removing debris by hand.
They are also building a temporary path so a large excavator can be brought closer.
Ropes, pumps and floating devices help rescuers move through the flooded sections.
Doctors are helping local residents, while forensic experts are helping identify victims.
News reports give slightly different numbers for deaths, missing people and Indians rescued.
Indian and Nepali teams are draining water and clearing mud and debris inside Nepal’s Chilime hydropower tunnel.
Rescuers are building an access track, installing safety ropes and using pumps and improvised floats to reach blocked sections.
A 3-ton excavator is being transported in parts to Syabrubesi for eventual assembly and use at the tunnel.
Indian specialists are also searching for missing workers at the Chilime and Langtang hydropower project sites.
Reports differ on the disaster toll and rescue figures, citing 1,331 or 1,344 deaths, about 4,898 or 5,000 missing, and 166 or 169 Indian nationals rescued.
- Who
- Indian and Nepali rescue teams, Nepali Army personnel, medical workers and forensic specialists; Chinese expert teams are also assisting broader searches.
- What
- They are draining water, removing mud and debris, building equipment access and searching for missing workers in hydropower tunnels.
- When
- The floods struck on August 26, 2026; the reported tunnel operations took place on Friday and Saturday, with reports published September 5, 2026.
- Where
- The Chilime hydropower project near Syabrubesi in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, with additional work at the Langtang hydropower project and assistance elsewhere in Nepal.
- Why
- To reach potentially trapped workers, clear and secure damaged tunnels, recover and identify victims, and aid communities affected by the floods.
- Flood date
- August 26, 2026
- Primary rescue site
- Chilime hydropower project near Syabrubesi, Rasuwa district, Nepal
- Indian specialist contingent
- 54 personnel: 30 tunnel rescue experts, 19 forensic experts and five medical personnel
- Relief delivered by India
- About 95 tonnes aboard seven aircraft
- Heavy equipment
- A 3-ton excavator was moved in parts to Syabrubesi for assembly
- Indian nationals rescued
- Reports cited 166 and 169 rescued; one report said 275 remained unaccounted for earlier
- Reported disaster figures
- Reports cited 1,331 or 1,344 deaths and approximately 4,898 or 5,000 people missing
Sources
Indian tunnel rescue team makes progress at flood-hit Chilime hydropower site
Indian, Nepalese tunnel teams push deeper into flash flood-hit Chilime hydropower project
Race inside Chilime tunnel: Indian, Nepali rescuers drain floodwater, carve path for heavy equipment
