Two Workers Rescued From Nepal Hydropower Tunnel After Nine‑Day Flood Tragedy

After a week of relentless flooding, Nepal’s emergency teams pulled two workers alive from a hydropower tunnel, while search efforts continue for others believed to be trapped inside.

Flood‑Induced Tunnel Crisis

Heavy monsoon rains in the Himalayan foothills triggered widespread flooding that inundated a hydropower tunnel under construction in Nepal. The sudden rise in water levels forced workers into a precarious situation, with the tunnel’s interior becoming a maze of submerged passages and debris.

Rescue Operations Over Nine Days

Rescuers began operations immediately after the floods, but the tunnel’s depth and the volume of water made progress slow. Over the course of nine days, teams used specialized equipment—such as underwater breathing apparatus and remotely operated vehicles—to navigate the flooded tunnel and locate trapped workers.

Two Workers Pulled Alive

On the ninth day, emergency teams successfully extracted two workers from a narrow, water‑filled chamber. The rescued men were transported to a nearby medical facility where they received treatment for hypothermia and water‑borne injuries. Their survival is a testament to the dedication and skill of Nepal’s rescue personnel.

Search for Remaining Workers

While the rescued workers are recovering, officials report that additional workers are believed to be trapped deeper within the tunnel. Rescue teams remain on standby, ready to deploy further resources as conditions allow. The situation remains fluid, and authorities urge caution as the tunnel’s structural integrity continues to be assessed.

Impact on Nepal’s Hydropower Development

The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols in Nepal’s rapidly expanding hydropower sector. Engineers and policymakers are reviewing construction practices to prevent similar tragedies, emphasizing the need for robust flood‑management strategies and emergency response plans.

For more details, read the full CBS News report: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2-trapped-workers-rescued-from-nepal-hydropower-tunnel-9-days-after-floods/

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