Rescue Teams in Nepal Save Two Workers from Hydropower Tunnel After Floods

<p>Rescue teams in Nepal rescued two workers from a hydropower tunnel nine days after floods swept through the country, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities and thousands more missing. Nepalese lawmaker Shri Ram Neupane stated that searchers first heard voices in the tunnel on Friday morning. Images from the Nepal Army showed a rescuer carrying one of the workers on his back, assisted by soldiers.</p><p>The rescue has raised hopes for the recovery of other individuals believed to be trapped. One of the rescued workers indicated that more people are alive inside the tunnel, according to Brig. Gen. Raja Ram Basnet, who confirmed that the search is ongoing.</p><p>Amir Maharjan, the brother of one of the rescued individuals, expressed gratitude, stating, "I can’t explain what we are feeling at the moment. We are just grateful to God," as reported by the Associated Press.</p><p>Both men were transported to a hospital in Kathmandu, with one reported to be in critical condition, according to a statement from the prime minister's office. Officials identified the rescued individuals as a mechanical foreman and a mechanical supervisor at the Trishuli 3A plant.</p><p>The Associated Press reported that approximately 115 individuals are believed to remain trapped in the Trishuli 3A tunnel, as cited by the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal. In total, authorities estimate around 900 workers are missing from 12 hydropower plants in Nepal, with about 500 believed to be trapped in tunnels.</p><p>Nepal’s Communication Minister Bikram Timilsina posted on Facebook that officials "are waiting for the rescue of more and more people" and thanked those who worked tirelessly to save the two individuals.</p><p>The Associated Press also reported that at least 1,287 people have died and more than 5,000 remain missing following the floods that occurred on August 26, which scientists suggest may have been triggered by a glacier collapse. China reported that 21 people were killed and 541 are missing on the Tibet side of the border.</p><p>Nepal's disaster agency chief informed Reuters that the flooding has likely caused damages amounting to at least 387.5 billion Nepalese rupees (approximately $2.5 billion) to infrastructure and property.</p>