Rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach people believed to be trapped inside hydropower tunnels in Nepal’s flood-hit Rasuwa district, with operations underway at the Chilime Hydropower project as authorities race against time following the devastating flash floods.

The rescue operation has been complicated by large quantities of mud, water and debris that have blocked access to underground facilities. Hundreds of hydropower workers and staff remain missing across projects in Rasuwa and neighbouring Nuwakot districts following the August 26 floods. 

Rescue teams working inside flooded tunnels

Specialised teams are being deployed to search underground areas where workers may still be trapped. Search operations involve navigating through mud and water-filled tunnels under difficult and potentially dangerous conditions.

An Indian specialised tunnel search-and-rescue team has joined the Nepali Army in operations at hydropower tunnel sites in Chilime and Langtang. The teams are working together to identify accessible routes and reach areas cut off by flood debris. 

Floods devastated hydropower projects

The August 26 flash floods caused extensive destruction along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors in northern Nepal. Hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot were among the worst affected, with tunnels, powerhouses and surrounding infrastructure inundated or blocked by debris.

The scale of the disaster has left hundreds of workers unaccounted for. According to current reporting, around 900 hydropower workers are missing across affected projects, while authorities estimate that hundreds could be trapped inside underground tunnels. 

Mud and debris slowing search operation

Rescuers face major challenges because floodwater has carried huge amounts of mud and debris into the hydropower facilities. Some tunnel entrances and internal sections have been heavily obstructed, making it difficult for teams to move deeper into the underground structures.

Search personnel are using specialised equipment, including searchlights, drones and other tools, to assess conditions and identify possible survivors. In some locations, rescue teams have also been working to create access points to blocked areas. 

International teams join Nepal’s rescue efforts

Nepal has received assistance from several countries as rescue operations continue. India has deployed specialised tunnel-rescue personnel, while other international teams are also contributing expertise and equipment.

South Korea has announced the deployment of a 44-member emergency relief team to support Nepal’s search-and-rescue efforts following a formal request for assistance. The team includes personnel from South Korea’s Foreign Ministry and fire agency.

Hundreds of workers remain unaccounted for

The situation in the hydropower sector is part of a much wider humanitarian emergency caused by the flash floods. Thousands of people remain missing across Nepal and neighbouring Tibet, while the death toll has risen sharply.

The Associated Press reported that more than 950 people had died across Nepal and Tibet and more than 4,400 remained missing, while around 900 hydropower workers were unaccounted for. 

Rescue operation continues in Rasuwa

Authorities and rescue teams are continuing to clear debris and search underground facilities in Rasuwa. The focus remains on reaching workers who could still be alive inside isolated tunnels.

With access conditions remaining difficult, rescuers are working carefully while assessing the risk of further flooding, landslides and tunnel collapse. The search at Chilime and other hydropower projects is expected to continue as teams attempt to reach the most affected underground areas.