Kathmandu, September 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Two workers were rescued alive from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in Nepal on Friday, nine days after devastating flash floods swept through the Trishuli River corridor, raising hopes that more people could still be found trapped inside.
The Secretariat of the Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation identified the rescued workers as 45-year-old Kabir Maharjan, a supervisor with the Hydropower Automation Project of Upper Trishuli 3A from Kathmandu, and 30-year-old Sanjaya Sah, a foreman from Saptari district.
“They are being taken to hospital in Kathmandu after being airlifted,” the minister’s secretariat said.
Sah was rescued earlier on Friday, followed by Maharjan, according to information from the rescue operation.
The breakthrough came after rescuers heard voices from inside the tunnel and established communication with people believed to be trapped there. The Nepal Army and Armed Police Force subsequently intensified their efforts to reach them.
Rescue teams used excavators, compressors and breakers to clear access, while tunnel drilling and holing operations were stepped up. A large rock obstructing the passage was also located inside the tunnel, prompting blasting operations to remove it and facilitate the rescue.
A joint team comprising personnel from the Nepal Army and Armed Police Force, along with Chinese experts, has been deployed at the site.
The August 26 flash floods swept through the Trishuli River valley, causing widespread destruction and damaging several hydropower projects, including the 60 MW Upper Trishuli 3A Project, as well as key road links.
According to the latest situation report issued by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, at least 1,252 people had died and 5,053 remained missing as of Thursday evening.
Search teams continue to operate under difficult conditions to locate people who may remain trapped in tunnels and other structures.
The Independent Power Producers’ Association said on Thursday that 945 people working at 11 hydropower projects affected by the floods remained out of contact.
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