Rescue teams were in a race against time on Monday to free numerous workers believed to be trapped in tunnels at hydropower sites buried in mud due to catastrophic flooding on the Nepal-China border. The death toll continued to rise, with over 950 fatalities in Nepal and China and more than 4,400 individuals reported missing.
A private-sector group representing power companies disclosed that around 900 workers were unaccounted for in 12 hydropower projects impacted by flash floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. Approximately 500 of these workers were suspected to be stuck in tunnels, with varying opinions on their survival chances. Despite the challenges, rescue operations intensified, resulting in the recovery of four bodies from mud-filled tunnels, as confirmed by Nepal’s army.
Arnold Dix, an Australian tunnel rescue specialist, expressed optimism about finding survivors, emphasizing the significant loss of skilled workers in Nepal. Efforts were focused on the immense tunnels designed for water flow control, where some trapped workers were believed to have access to oxygen. In the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project, hundreds of individuals, including workers and foreigners, were reported missing, with a significant number presumed trapped inside the tunnel.
In China, reconstruction efforts included restoring the road to the Gyirong Port border crossing. Rescue teams were seen working diligently amidst challenging conditions, with state media highlighting official responses and deployments to assist. Canadian authorities reported that around 30 citizens were still unaccounted for, with ongoing efforts to locate and support them.
Family members of missing individuals expressed hope for their loved ones’ safety, despite the lack of direct communication. The tragic events unfolded after a glacial collapse triggered flash floods in the Himalayan region, causing widespread devastation in both Nepal and China. The search and rescue mission continued as families anxiously awaited news of their missing relatives.