Nepal Floods: Workers Rescued from Trishuli Hydropower Tunnel

Following a devastating series of flash floods in Nepal, a remarkable rescue operation successfully freed two workers trapped inside a hydropower project tunnel on Friday. The rescue comes nine days after the floods swept through areas bordering Nepal and Tibet, leading to tragic losses and extensive damage. Mechanical engineer Sanjay Sah described the ordeal as a life-and-death situation, explaining that he sustained himself by repeatedly chanting the 'Hare Krishna Mahamantra' during his confinement. His fellow survivor, Kabir Maharjan, was also extracted from the Trishuli-3A hydropower project site. As of this report, more than 1,250 individuals have reportedly lost their lives due to the flooding, with over 900 feared to be trapped across twelve different hydropower sites along the Trishuli River, according to Reuters. Rescuers included personnel from the Nepali army and experts from India, who worked tirelessly to locate survivors. A legislator from the Rashtriya Swatantra Party, Ram Neupane, noted that the team heard voices from within the tunnel a few days prior to the rescue, hinting at the possibility that some workers were still alive. Dramatic footage from the rescue site depicted army personnel extracting the survivors, who were covered in mud and debris. The emotional moment was highlighted when Sanjay was pulled from the tunnel, relief evident on his face as rescue team members told him, 'You have been given a second life.' At the time of the flooding, approximately 40 to 45 workers were present in the tunnels. As the floodwaters surged, Sanjay took on the responsibility of directing others to safety and, in doing so, became trapped. Reports indicate he and Kabir were located about 170 metres inside the tunnel. Sanjay mentioned that only a few people were close to his position when the disaster unfolded, but he acknowledged the potential for more workers to be trapped further along the tunnel. He expressed concerns that others could be caught near the powerhouse side, as the tunnel extends quite a distance, and many workers might still be in peril due to the flooding. Surviving for nine days without food or water was a considerable challenge, yet the existence of air pockets likely contributed to their survival. Reflecting on what kept him going, Sanjay said, 'I kept chanting the Mahamantra all throughout.' The rescue was a deeply emotional moment not only for Sanjay but also for Kabir's family. His wife, Hira Shobha, expressed profound relief and joy at his return, saying, 'He has returned with a second life. We are extremely happy.' Yet behind the joy lay immense suffering as the family endured nine agonising days without knowing his fate. Shobha shared the struggles they faced, stating, 'It was so difficult to get through those days. We could neither eat nor sleep.' As rescue efforts continue, the survival stories of Sanjay and Kabir serve as a beacon of hope for the families of many workers still unaccounted for across various hydropower projects in the region.