Two Workers Rescued Alive From Nepal Hydropower Tunnel Nine Days After Floods

Two workers trapped inside a hydropower tunnel in Nepal were rescued alive on Friday, September 4, nine days after devastating floods struck the Bhote Koshi River region and damaged multiple hydropower projects. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the two workers were rescued from the tunnel of the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project on Friday morning. The rescue came amid continuing search, rescue and relief operations involving the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, disaster-management authorities, local governments and international tunnel-rescue support teams.

The rescue offered a rare moment of hope in a disaster that has caused widespread loss of life, large-scale infrastructure damage and ongoing uncertainty for thousands of families.

Two Workers Pulled Out Alive

According to Nepalese public updates, the rescued workers were identified as Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan, who had been trapped inside the Trishuli 3A tunnel after floodwaters and debris blocked access to parts of the hydropower project. The workers were given medical support and transported for further treatment. Nepal’s Home Minister Sudhan Gurung said the rescue kept hope alive for others still missing and praised the rescue teams for working under difficult and dangerous conditions. The operation required coordination among security forces, technical teams and hydropower specialists as rescuers worked through mud, debris and blocked tunnel areas.

Search Continues Across Hydropower Sites

The Nepal government said search and rescue operations continue for people trapped inside tunnels in several affected hydropower projects, including Langtang, Chilime, Upper Trishuli 1, Upper Trishuli 3A and Upper Trishuli 3B. Tunnel rescue teams from India, China and the Republic of Korea are working in coordination with the Nepal Army. Nepal has also received rescue-support equipment, drones, load carriers and other assistance from neighboring countries, friendly nations and international partners.

As of the September 4 government update, Nepal reported:

• 13,093 people rescued, including more than 300 foreigners

• 5,083 people still missing, including approximately 600 foreigners from 35 countries

• 1,287 bodies recovered

Officials emphasized that these numbers are being updated as search and verification efforts continue.

Floods Cause Severe Damage

The floods struck the Bhote Koshi River region on August 26, causing severe damage to communities, roads, electricity systems, telecommunications and hydropower infrastructure. Authorities are working to restore connectivity and deliver relief supplies to affected areas. Nepal has also requested additional specialized equipment, including high-capacity drones, LiDAR, bailey bridges, flood-rescue trucks, ground-penetrating radar, surge pumps, DNA testing kits and other emergency-response materials. The scale of the disaster has placed heavy pressure on rescue teams, local communities and families awaiting news of missing loved ones.

A Moment of Hope Amid Tragedy

The rescue of two workers after nine days underground has lifted hopes that more people may still be found alive. It also highlights the extraordinary difficulty of rescue operations in mountainous regions where floods, landslides and damaged infrastructure can block access for days. For Nepalese communities and families abroad, including in the United States, the disaster remains deeply painful. Many are still waiting for confirmed information about relatives, workers, pilgrims, travelers and local residents affected by the floods. The successful tunnel rescue is a reminder of the courage of emergency responders and the importance of continued international support as Nepal works through one of its most difficult flood disasters in recent years.

Additional Reader Link:
Radio Nepal — Rescue of two people alive keeps hope alive: https://radionepalonline.com/en/2026/09/04/435376.html