Rescue operations continued in Nepal on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after catastrophic flash floods and a glacier-related collapse devastated the Nepal-Tibet border region, leaving thousands dead or missing and causing extensive damage to hydropower infrastructure.

Search teams are concentrating on three major hydropower projects where workers may still be trapped inside tunnels, particularly the Chilime, Upper Trishuli 3A and Upper Trishuli 3B facilities. Rescue authorities say blocked tunnel entrances, deep mud, debris and difficult Himalayan terrain are making the operation exceptionally challenging.

According to the latest figures reported from Nepal, 1,356 people have died and nearly 5,000 remain missing. The disaster has also affected foreign nationals, while neighbouring Tibet has reported additional deaths and missing people. Reuters reported that the combined death toll in Nepal and Tibet had reached at least 1,399, with more than 5,400 people missing. 

Rescue Teams Search Seven Hydropower Projects

The search has expanded across several hydropower installations affected by the August 26 disaster.

Operations are continuing at Langtang, Chilime, Upper Trishuli-1, Melung Khola, Trishuli-3A and Trishuli-3B, among other affected facilities. The focus has increasingly shifted towards tunnels because workers may have taken shelter inside them as floodwaters and debris swept through the surrounding areas.

At Chilime, Nepali and Indian rescue personnel are working together to clear access routes and reach sections of the tunnel where workers are believed to be trapped.

Reuters reported that authorities estimate about 121 of roughly 900 people reported missing from hydropower projects could have been inside tunnels when the disaster struck. 

Six Workers Feared Trapped at Chilime

The Chilime Hydropower Project has emerged as one of the main priorities for rescuers.

According to the latest information cited in the source material, six workers are believed to remain trapped there. A 35-member Indian Army rescue team is assisting Nepalese authorities along with other specialist teams.

Rescuers have been advancing through a tunnel approximately 250 metres long. The operation has been slowed by mud, damaged infrastructure and difficult access.

Indian tunnel-rescue specialists have been working alongside Nepalese authorities since the disaster. Earlier operations involved creating temporary access routes so that heavy equipment could be moved closer to the affected sections. 

Survivors Found After Days Inside Tunnels

Recent rescues have provided some hope to families still waiting for information.

Two hydropower workers were rescued alive from the Upper Trishuli 3A tunnel after surviving for nine days inside a confined section of the underground network. Their rescue demonstrated that people may survive for extended periods in isolated sections of the tunnels if they have access to air and limited water or shelter. 

Rescuers have also recovered other survivors from affected areas in recent days, reinforcing the decision to continue searching the tunnels despite the increasingly difficult conditions. 

Roads, Bridges and Power Infrastructure Devastated

The flood has caused widespread destruction beyond the immediate loss of life.

The Associated Press reported that around 7,500 homes were destroyed, another 20,000 require rebuilding and at least 12 hydropower projects were damaged. Preliminary damage estimates have reached approximately $2.56 billion, placing an enormous financial burden on Nepal. 

Mountain roads and bridges have also been washed away or buried beneath debris, complicating the movement of rescue equipment and personnel.

The difficult terrain has forced rescue teams to combine heavy machinery, helicopters, specialist tunnel equipment and technical expertise to reach isolated locations.

India Assists Nepal in Rescue Operations

India has been providing specialised assistance to Nepal since the disaster.

Indian tunnel rescue teams have been deployed to the Chilime area, while Indian medical personnel have also supported humanitarian operations. Earlier, India's Ministry of External Affairs said 163 Indian nationals had been rescued in Nepal following the disaster. 

The Indian teams have faced particularly difficult conditions inside the tunnels, including muddy floors and restricted access. Special equipment and improvised techniques have been used to move deeper into blocked sections.

Nepal Seeks $20 Million in Climate Compensation

The disaster has also triggered a wider debate over climate change and the vulnerability of Himalayan nations.

Nepal has sought $20 million in climate compensation from the UN's loss-and-damage mechanism. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has argued that Nepal contributes less than 0.1% of global greenhouse-gas emissions but faces disproportionately severe consequences from climate change.

Nepal's glaciers have also experienced substantial ice loss over recent decades. The government has linked the latest disaster to broader climate risks affecting the Himalayan region, although the precise contribution of climate change to individual extreme events remains a matter for scientific assessment.

Rescue Mission Continues Despite Difficult Conditions

For families of the missing, the search remains a race against time.

Authorities continue to prioritise tunnels where there is a possibility of survivors, while drones, heavy machinery, technical teams and specialist rescue personnel are being used to search damaged facilities.

The latest operation reflects the scale of the disaster: Nepal is simultaneously dealing with a mass search for missing people, damaged hydropower infrastructure, destroyed settlements and a massive reconstruction challenge.

For now, rescuers remain focused on the possibility that more people could still be found alive inside the tunnels.

 A landslide in Nepal’s Darchula district partially blocked the Chaulani River on Friday, prompting authorities to alert communities living downstream amid concerns that further debris could obstruct the river and trigger a sudden surge of water.

The development came as rescue operations continued across Nepal following the devastating August 26 flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border. Three more Indian nationals, including a five-year-old boy, were rescued from the Trishuli Bazaar area, taking the total number of Indians rescued to 169, while 275 Indian nationals remain missing, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 

Landslide Partially Blocks Chaulani River

The landslide occurred in the Bhattar area of Api Himal Rural Municipality in Darchula. Debris from the mountainside entered the Chaulani River and temporarily affected its flow.

The District Administration Office warned residents along the riverbanks to remain vigilant because continuing landslides could completely block the river. Such a blockage could create a temporary accumulation of water, raising the risk of a sudden flood if the debris gives way. 

Authorities also moved families from the affected area to safer locations as a precaution. By Saturday, local officials said the river flow had returned to normal, although monitoring continued because of the unstable slope. 

Three Indians Rescued From Trishuli Bazaar

The latest rescue of Indian nationals involved Abhijit Suresh Pawar, Dipika Abhijit Pawar and their five-year-old son Samarth Abhijit Pawar.

The three were rescued from the Trishuli Bazaar area in Nepal’s Nuwakot district. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is assisting with their return to India.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that, as of the evening of September 4, 169 Indians had been rescued, while 275 remained unaccounted for.

Separately, 1,907 Indian nationals who had been in China when the disaster struck have safely crossed into Nepal. The MEA said no Indian travellers remained stranded in the Tibet Autonomous Region. 

Two Nepalese Workers Rescued After Nine Days

A major breakthrough in the wider rescue operation came from the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Station, where two workers were brought out alive after spending nine days trapped inside a tunnel.

The survivors were identified as Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan. Rescue teams had to clear large quantities of mud, rocks and debris before reaching them. Their survival has renewed hopes for other people still believed to be trapped in hydropower tunnels. 

Nepal’s Foreign Ministry said search and rescue operations were continuing at several hydropower projects, including Upper Trisuli 1, Upper Trisuli 3A and Upper Trisuli 3B. Rescue teams from India, China and South Korea have been working with Nepali authorities. 

Chinese National Also Rescued

A Chinese national was subsequently rescued alive from a tunnel at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project, according to reports.

The rescue involved the Nepal Army and South Korean disaster specialists. The survivor was taken for medical evaluation and further assistance after being brought out of the tunnel. The operation came a day after the successful rescue of the two Nepalese workers from the Trishuli 3A project. 

The continuing tunnel searches are significant because hundreds of hydropower workers remain unaccounted for following the floods. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said specialised teams and equipment were being deployed to locations where people may still be trapped.

Death Toll and Missing Figures Continue to Change

The human toll from the August 26 disaster continues to be revised as authorities recover bodies and update missing-person records.

A September 4 update cited by Nepalese authorities reported 1,287 deaths and 5,083 people missing, while more than 13,000 people had been rescued. Other reports published around the same time gave different totals as searches continued. 

The disaster has also caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other infrastructure. At least 55 kilometres of roads were reported completely damaged, while dozens of motorable and suspension bridges were affected. 

India Continues Relief and Rescue Support

India has continued its assistance to Nepal since the floods struck on August 26. The MEA said India had supplied about 95 tonnes of relief material and deployed 54 specialists, including tunnel-rescue experts, forensic specialists and medical personnel. 

The Indian government has also remained in coordination with Nepal over the evacuation and identification of Indian nationals affected by the disaster.

Meanwhile, authorities in Nepal continue to monitor landslide-prone areas such as Darchula while rescue teams search hydropower tunnels and other flood-hit locations. The latest developments underline that, despite several successful rescues, the emergency response remains far from over.

Nepal Floods: Rescuers Crawl Through Mud-Filled Tunnels as Death Toll Nears 1,000

Nepal’s devastating floods and landslides have triggered a major search-and-rescue operation across the country, with teams battling thick mud, damaged infrastructure and unstable terrain to reach people still missing in affected areas. The disaster has killed at least 939 people in Nepal, while 3,925 remain unaccounted for, according to the latest figures reported by Nepal’s disaster authorities. 

One of the most difficult rescue operations is underway at hydropower projects in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, where floodwaters and landslides buried tunnel networks and surrounding infrastructure. Rescue teams are using heavy machinery, cameras, air-pumping equipment and other specialised tools to locate workers who may still be trapped underground.

Rescuers Move Through Mud-Filled Tunnels

Footage released by the Nepali Army shows rescue personnel navigating narrow passages filled with mud and debris while searching for survivors. The conditions inside the tunnels remain extremely difficult, with mud obstructing access points and making it hard for teams to determine the original entry and exit routes.

Controlled blasting has also been used in some areas to create access points, while specialised equipment is being deployed to search sections of the buried tunnel networks.

The hydropower sector has been among the worst affected. Earlier estimates had placed hundreds of workers among those missing from damaged projects. According to the latest reporting, the number of missing hydropower workers has fallen to 639, while rescue teams continue to search affected facilities. (BSS)

Roads, Bridges Disrupted by Floods

Rescue operations are also being slowed by widespread damage outside the tunnel sites. Floodwaters and landslides have destroyed or damaged roads and bridges, leaving several mountain communities difficult to reach.

Authorities are using helicopters to evacuate survivors and deliver essential supplies to areas cut off by the disaster. Road connectivity has gradually been restored in some affected districts, allowing rescue and relief teams to reach locations that had remained isolated. 

23 Bodies Found in Nuwakot House

The scale of the destruction has become clearer as search teams move into previously inaccessible areas. In Nuwakot district, rescuers recovered 23 bodies from a single house in the Betrabati area, according to reports on Tuesday. Search operations at the location were continuing as authorities worked to establish the final number of victims.

The development has added to concerns about the number of victims who may still be buried under mud, debris or collapsed structures.

International Support for Rescue Efforts

Nepal’s rescue operation has received international assistance as the country struggles to cope with the scale of the disaster. India and China have provided specialised support, including expertise relevant to tunnel rescue operations.

Reuters reported that 279 workers had been rescued from hydropower facilities, while around 600 remained trapped or unaccounted for in connection with the affected projects. 

Search Continues Amid Fresh Risks

Rescuers continue to face the threat of additional landslides, heavy rain and unstable ground. These conditions have repeatedly forced teams to pause operations and move to safer locations.

The immediate priority remains locating people still missing, rescuing anyone trapped underground and providing emergency assistance to communities that have lost homes, roads and other essential infrastructure.

The latest figures underline the severity of the disaster, with Nepal’s death toll already approaching the 1,000 mark and thousands of people still unaccounted for. Authorities are continuing search, evacuation and relief operations across the worst-hit districts.

Rescue workers and local volunteers continued search and cleanup operations in Devighat, Nepal, as communities struggled to recover from the devastating flash floods that swept through the area on August 26. Much of the settlement has been left buried under mud and debris, with residents returning to damaged homes in search of belongings and missing family members.

Devighat, in Nuwakot district, was among the areas severely affected by the disaster. The floodwaters and debris caused extensive destruction along the Trishuli River, leaving houses, shops and other structures damaged or destroyed. Survivors have described the scene as one in which little remains of their homes and livelihoods.

Volunteers join rescue and cleanup efforts

As formal rescue operations continue, volunteers have joined local communities in clearing mud and debris from affected areas. The work includes searching damaged structures, helping residents recover essential belongings and assisting families displaced by the floods.

Search teams have also continued looking for people who may remain trapped beneath the debris. The difficult terrain, unstable conditions and large quantities of mud and rubble have made the operation challenging.

Devighat among worst-hit areas

The August 26 flash floods caused widespread destruction across parts of Nepal and neighbouring areas. Devighat, a settlement along the Trishuli River, was particularly badly affected, with floodwaters carrying large amounts of mud and debris into populated areas.

Recent reports from the affected region have shown residents attempting to salvage whatever they can from damaged houses. Some buildings have been left partially standing, while others have been buried or swept away.

Rescue operations continue across Nepal

The Devighat cleanup is taking place alongside a much wider rescue operation across flood-hit districts. Nepal has deployed security personnel and specialist teams to search for survivors and recover victims.

Rescue operations have also focused on hydropower projects where workers were reported trapped inside tunnels following the floods. Nepal has intensified efforts at several sites, with heavy equipment being transported to areas that are difficult to reach. (Reuters)

The disaster has caused extensive casualties and left thousands missing across Nepal and Tibet, according to recent international reports. Authorities continue to search affected communities while also providing assistance to displaced survivors. (AP News)

Survivors face loss of homes and livelihoods

For residents of Devighat, the immediate challenge has shifted from escaping the floodwaters to dealing with the destruction left behind. Homes have been filled with mud and debris, while essential infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has suffered severe damage.

Residents have been returning to affected areas to look for documents, household items and other possessions that may have survived the disaster. At the same time, families continue to seek information about relatives who remain missing.

Search continues amid difficult conditions

Rescue teams are working through thick mud and unstable debris while weather conditions remain a concern. Search operations in several parts of Nepal have been slowed by difficult access and the risk of further flooding and landslides.

In Devighat, volunteers and rescue personnel continue to clear affected areas as the community begins the difficult process of recovery. The immediate priority remains locating survivors and missing people, recovering victims and ensuring that displaced families receive basic assistance.

The scale of destruction means that recovery will extend well beyond the ongoing rescue operation. For many families in Devighat, the flood has destroyed homes, livelihoods and possessions, leaving the community facing a long and uncertain rebuilding process.

The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 788, while more than 2,500 people remain missing as rescue and relief operations continue across several flood-hit districts. More than 9,400 people have been rescued so far, while India has also stepped up efforts to assist its nationals affected by the disaster.

The floods struck parts of Nepal on August 26 after a massive flow of water, mud and debris moved downstream from the Himalayan border region. The disaster caused widespread destruction across northern and central Nepal, damaging homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.

Death toll rises as search operations continue

According to figures reported by Nepal's disaster management authorities, the death toll has reached 788. At least 2,502 people were still reported missing, while 9,435 people had been rescued from affected areas. 

Search teams are continuing to recover bodies from affected districts as rescuers work through damaged settlements and debris. Authorities have warned that casualty and missing-person figures remain subject to change as search, identification and verification operations continue.

The Nepal government had earlier said that thousands of security personnel and helicopters had been deployed for rescue, relief and recovery operations. 

Indian nationals among those affected

India has also been closely monitoring the situation because a significant number of Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin were in the affected areas.

The Ministry of External Affairs had said that more than 275 Indian nationals and 128 persons of Indian origin were missing or non-contactable in Nepal at one stage of the rescue operation. The ministry subsequently shared a list of 149 Indian nationals who had been rescued. 

Indian authorities are continuing to coordinate with Nepalese officials to trace those who remain unaccounted for and facilitate the safe return of rescued Indian citizens.

Rescue teams face difficult conditions

Rescue operations have been complicated by difficult terrain, damaged infrastructure and rising water levels in some rivers. Authorities have urged residents and rescue personnel to remain alert after renewed increases in water levels were reported in the Bhotekoshi River. 

Specialised rescue teams from India, China and South Korea have also been assisting Nepal, particularly in operations involving people believed to be trapped inside tunnels at hydropower projects.

Nepal's Foreign Ministry said a specialised Indian team of 11 tunnel-rescue experts had been mobilised, along with teams from China and South Korea. An 18-member Indian forensic team specialising in DNA analysis has also reached Nepal to assist with identification of victims.

Hydropower projects remain a major focus

Several hydropower projects were severely affected by the flooding, with workers reported trapped in tunnels. Rescue teams have been working to reach these locations while dealing with debris and unstable conditions.

Reuters reported that hundreds of workers were believed to be trapped at hydropower projects, prompting Nepal to intensify rescue efforts and bring in heavy equipment and specialised teams.

The disaster has also damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted transportation links in affected parts of the country, increasing the difficulty of delivering relief supplies and reaching isolated communities.

Government urges reliance on verified information

The Nepal government has appealed to the public and media to rely on officially verified information because casualty, missing-person and damage figures are continuing to change.

Authorities are providing emergency medical care, food, drinking water, temporary shelter and other essential assistance to affected communities. The government is also monitoring river systems and downstream areas for the possibility of additional flooding during the ongoing rainy season. 

For India, the priority remains locating missing nationals, supporting those rescued and facilitating their onward travel. Meanwhile, Nepal's rescue teams continue searching affected areas as the country confronts one of its most severe recent flood disasters.

The incident occurred under the Pachpedi police station limits, where continuous rainfall has significantly increased the water level and flow of the Shivnath River.

According to police, the missing fisherman has been identified as Sukhdev Kevat, a resident of Jondhara village in Bilaspur district. He earned his livelihood by catching and selling fish in nearby villages and local markets.

Officials said Sukhdev left his home around noon on Thursday to fish in the Shivnath River near his village. When he failed to catch enough fish, he reportedly attempted to cross the river towards the Lavan area in neighbouring Balodabazar district in search of better fishing spots.

During the crossing, he was caught in the river's strong current after the water level rose rapidly. Unable to withstand the force of the flowing water, he lost his balance and was swept away downstream.

Villagers who witnessed the incident immediately alerted the police. Local residents also began searching the riverbank before rescue teams arrived at the spot.

Considering that the incident occurred near the boundary of Bilaspur, Janjgir-Champa and Balodabazar districts, police from all three districts coordinated the rescue operation. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were also deployed to conduct an intensive search in the river.

Rescue personnel continued searching until late evening using boats and other available equipment. However, the operation was hampered by the strong water current and poor visibility, preventing divers from carrying out an extensive underwater search.

Police officials said the search had to be suspended after nightfall due to safety concerns.

Pachpedi police station in-charge Kamla Pusam said the rescue operation would resume on Friday morning. SDRF personnel are expected to extend the search downstream in the direction of the river's flow, where the missing fisherman is believed to have been carried by the floodwaters.

Authorities have also appealed to residents living along the riverbanks to immediately inform the police if they notice any signs that could assist the search teams.

The incident comes amid rising river levels across several parts of Chhattisgarh following persistent rainfall. District administrations have repeatedly advised people to avoid entering rivers, canals and other water bodies during the monsoon because of sudden increases in water flow.

Local residents said Sukhdev was an experienced fisherman who had been working in the river for several years. However, they noted that the unusually strong current created dangerous conditions even for those familiar with the area.

Police said further action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing search operation. The family of the missing fisherman has been informed, and officials are continuing efforts to locate him as rescue teams prepare to resume operations.

A potentially fatal accident near the Itma bridge in Rewa's Atraila police station area on Thursday ended on a note of relief, thanks largely to the quick thinking of local villagers who waded into the river and pulled out a trapped man before the state disaster response team could even reach the spot.

Iron Rod Pierced Foot

The injured man, identified as Ramujagar Prajapati, 45, a resident of Itma village, had gone to the riverbank for some work when he lost his footing and slipped into a deeper section of the river. An iron rod embedded in the riverbed pierced through his foot, leaving him immobilised in the current, unable to free himself or move to safety. He was in considerable pain and could not get out on his own.

Alert Reaches Control Room

Locals who spotted the man trapped in the water quickly passed the information to the police control room. The situation was flagged as serious — a man pinned by a metal rod in flowing water, with no immediate means of rescue on site. The Rewa police promptly dispatched an SDRF team to the location.

Villagers Act First

Before the SDRF unit could arrive, a group of villagers decided not to wait. Showing remarkable courage, they entered the river, navigated the current, and managed to carefully free Prajapati and bring him to the bank. The rescue, carried out without professional equipment, drew wide appreciation from both local residents and officials.

A five-member SDRF team, led by Sub-Inspector Vikas Kumar Pandey, had already been en route to the site. On receiving confirmation that the rescue had been completed successfully by locals, the team was directed to return midway.

First Aid, Then Hospital

Once on dry ground, Prajapati was given initial first aid before being transported to a nearby health centre for further treatment. The extent of his injury — a metal rod having passed through his foot — meant he required medical attention beyond basic care. His condition, according to initial reports, was stable.

Officials Acknowledge Timely Action

Police officials who spoke on the matter noted that the speed of the rescue was critical. Had the man remained trapped in the current for longer, the situation could have escalated significantly. Officials credited both the prompt response of the control room and the bravery of the villagers for averting what could easily have become a tragedy.

The SDRF team's swift mobilisation was also noted positively, even though their intervention ultimately wasn't required on-site.

Community Response Draws Praise

In a time when bystander inaction is often criticised, the Itma villagers' decision to step in without hesitation has been widely appreciated across the district. Local residents on social media and in conversations across the area were sharing the rescue video that reportedly captured part of the operation — showing people using ropes to stabilise themselves and the victim in the fast-moving water.