Workers Rescued From Tunnel in Nepal 9 Days After Flood
Two hydropower workers, Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan, were rescued alive from a tunnel in Nepal's Rasuwa district after being trapped for nine days. They were part of a group of 898 workers missing across 13 projects in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors after a devastating flood on August 26, 2026. The flood, triggered by a glacial collapse, caused widespread destruction and loss of life in the Himalayan region.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ At least 1,369 people were killed in the floods.
- ✓ 898 hydropower workers were missing across 13 projects in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors.
- ✓ The flood was triggered by a glacial collapse on August 26, 2026.
- ✓ Two workers, Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan, were rescued from a tunnel after nine days.
What changed
Two workers were rescued from a tunnel after nine days, providing hope for other missing persons.
Live updates
-
Two Nepal hydropower workers rescued from tunnel 9 days after flood
Two hydropower workers, Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan, were rescued alive from a tunnel in Nepal's Rasuwa district after being trapped for nine days. They were part of a group of 898 workers missing across 13 projects in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors after a devastating flood on August 26, 2026. The flood, triggered by a glacial collapse, caused widespread destruction and loss of life in the Himalayan region.
Why it matters
The rescue comes as Nepal's prime minister, Balendra Shah, has used the tragedy to advocate for global climate action at the United Nations, warning that the recent floods serve as a 'warning to the world' about the ongoing impact of climate change. The disaster has left a significant economic and human impact on the region, with 1,369 people confirmed dead and many still missing.
What is confirmed
- At least 1,369 people were killed in the floods.
- 898 hydropower workers were missing across 13 projects in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors.
- The flood was triggered by a glacial collapse on August 26, 2026.
- Two workers, Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan, were rescued from a tunnel after nine days.
Still unconfirmed
- Fresh rainfall has caused new landslides and floods in Nepal, with over 5,000 people still unaccounted for.
What to watch next
- Further rescue operations for missing workers
- Nepal's reconstruction efforts and international response to the disaster
- Global climate change discussions and potential actions following Nepal's UN warning
confidence 92%Sources used for this update (15)
- www.wsls.com — Nepal's leader, at UN, says recent floods serve as a 'warning to the world' about climate change
- www.heraldinsight.co.kr — Nepal-Tibet flood completely destroys country - The Herald Insight
- www.yahoo.com — Thousands missing, aid needs mount one month after Nepal's deadly floods
- www.bbc.com — BBC Audio | Newshour | Nepal flooding: Two workers rescued from tunnel
- www.bbc.com — BBC Audio | Newshour | Workers feared trapped in Nepal tunnels
- www.thehansindia.com — Nepal Avalanche, Himlung Base Camp, Manang District, Nepal Rescue Operation, Himalayan Disaster
- bbrw.com — Two Workers Rescued Alive After Nine Days Trapped in Nepal Tunnel
- www.aljazeera.com — Nepal’s leader labels devastating flood a ‘warning to the ...
- www.thedailystar.net — Nepal Tunnel Workers Rescued 9 Days After Floods | Two ...
- www.bbc.com — BBC Audio | Global News Podcast | Two men rescued from tunnel in Nepal, nine days after flood
- www.breitbart.com — Weather - Latest News
- jen.jiji.com — France, woman confronting demonstrators in Marseille attacked with makeshift flamethrower
-
Nepal Prime Minister Cites Floods as Global Climate Warning at UN
Nepal's prime minister told the United Nations that recent deadly floods serve as a warning to the world regarding the ongoing impact of climate change. This statement follows a disaster that killed 1,369 people and left 898 hydropower workers missing across 13 projects in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors. While rescue teams previously saved survivors Kabir Maharjan and Sanjay Sah after nine days in a control room, the national leadership is now using the tragedy to advocate for global climate action.
Why it matters
The disaster highlighted severe vulnerabilities in Nepal's infrastructure and the need for improved cross-border warning systems. International aid from India and drone-led food deliveries have supported recovery efforts. The loss of life is concentrated in hydropower regions.
What is confirmed
- Nepal's prime minister stated at the United Nations that recent deadly floods are a warning to the world about climate change.
- Floods in Nepal resulted in 1,369 deaths.
- Eight hundred ninety-eight hydropower workers are missing from 13 projects in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors.
- Survivors Kabir Maharjan and Sanjay Sah were rescued after spending nine days trapped in a control room.
What to watch next
- Updates on the search for the 898 missing hydropower workers
- Implementation of requested cross-border warning system improvements
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- jen.jiji.com — Macklemore launches "Free Palestine" tour after Ed Sheeran concert departure
- jen.jiji.com — Chadchart warns eastern Bangkok of flood risk until Sept 27
- www.nbcbayarea.com — Nepal's leader, at UN, says recent floods serve as a ‘warning to the world' about climate change
-
Nepal Flood Crisis: Experts Demand Better Cross-Border Warning Systems
Experts are calling for urgent improvements to cross-border warning systems following devastating floods in Nepal. While 1,369 people have died across the country, 898 hydropower workers remain missing from 13 projects in the Trishuli and Bhotekoshi river corridors. Rescue efforts previously recovered four bodies from a hydropower tunnel and saved survivors Kabir Maharjan and Sanjay Sah after they spent nine days trapped in a control room. International aid from India and drone-led food deliveries continue as the region recovers from the disaster.
Why it matters
The floods were caused by Himalayan collapses that trapped workers in critical infrastructure. The scale of the loss underscores the vulnerability of hydropower projects in river corridors. Current discussions focus on the failure of early warning mechanisms to protect workers.
What is confirmed
- Flash floods in Nepal resulted in 1,369 deaths.
- A total of 898 hydropower workers across 13 projects in the Trishuli and Bhotekoshi river corridors are unaccounted for.
- Rescue teams recovered four bodies from a hydropower plant tunnel.
- Kabir Maharjan and Sanjay Sah survived nine days trapped in a control room.
Still unconfirmed
- Experts state that concerns regarding cross-border warnings can no longer be ignored.
What to watch next
- Official reports on the failure of warning systems
- Updates on the status of the 898 missing workers
- Details on further international aid coordination
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.aljazeera.com — The Nepal floods question: When the Himalayas collapse, who gets warned?
- jen.jiji.com — MotoGp, today the race is in Austria: schedule, starting grid and where to watch the race free-to-air
- jen.jiji.com — Kadyrov surpasses himself, re-elected Chechen leader with 99.85% of votes
-
Nepal recovers four bodies from hydropower tunnel as hundreds remain missing
Rescue teams recovered four bodies from a hydropower plant tunnel three weeks after flash floods struck the region. Despite this recovery, 898 hydropower workers across 13 projects in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors remain unaccounted for 22 days after the disaster. These losses follow the earlier rescue of Kabir Maharjan and Sanjay Sah, who survived nine days trapped in a control room. The broader flood catastrophe has claimed 1,369 lives across Nepal, prompting international aid from India and drone-led food deliveries to survivors.
Why it matters
The disaster centered on the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Plant and surrounding river corridors. The scale of the missing population suggests systemic failures or massive structural collapses across multiple energy projects. Ongoing recovery efforts are now shifting from rescue to body retrieval.
What is confirmed
- Four bodies were recovered from a hydropower plant tunnel three weeks after flash floods.
- 898 people working at 13 hydropower projects remain unaccounted for 22 days after floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors.
What to watch next
- Identification of the four recovered bodies
- Updates on the status of the 898 missing workers
- Reports on the structural integrity of the 13 affected hydropower projects
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- jen.jiji.com — Do you bring your cup to the bar? Coffee costs only 50 cents
- www.orlandosentinel.com — Rescuers dig 4 bodies from a Nepal hydropower tunnel as families demand answers
- english.onlinekhabar.com — 898 hydropower workers remain missing after Bhotekoshi floods
- jen.jiji.com — Elections in Russia, polls open from today to Sunday: Putin seeks consensus amidst apathy and polling stations in occupied territories
- english.onlinekhabar.com — Purna Bahadur Khadka urges Gagan Thapa to postpone Nepali Congress convention and start talks
-
Nepal Flood Survivors Rescued After Nine Days in Dark
Rescuers pulled trapped workers from a flooded tunnel control room in Nepal nine days after flash floods struck the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Plant on August 26. Kabir Maharjan and mechanical foreman Sanjay Sah survived the ordeal in complete darkness by consuming floodwater and mountain rock seepage. This disaster forms part of a broader catastrophe that has killed 1,369 people across the nation. India responded to the unfolding crisis by supplying emergency power and over 130 tonnes of humanitarian aid while DJI FlyCart 100 drones deliver food to stranded survivors.
Why it matters
The devastating floods severely crippled Nepal's hydropower infrastructure, intensifying regional power shortages and prompting emergency intervention from neighboring India. This event highlights the extreme vulnerability of energy facilities to extreme weather events. Authorities continue rescue and relief operations across affected regions as death tolls rise.
What is confirmed
- Kabir Maharjan and Sanjay Sah survived nine days trapped in a tunnel control room at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Plant following August 26 flash floods.
- India has provided over 130 tonnes of humanitarian aid and emergency power support to flood-hit Nepal.
- DJI FlyCart 100 drones are delivering food to other survivors.
What to watch next
- Updates on the rescue status of more than 60 people reported missing in a separate building collapse in Gaza City.
- Official updates on the death toll and missing persons related to the Nepal floods.
- Further delivery reports of humanitarian aid by India and drone teams in Nepal.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.wfmz.com — Rescuers saved some 80 people in Grand Canyon floods that left 2 dead and 1 missing, officials say
- jen.jiji.com — Ukraine, FBI's warning: "Russia plans targeted assassinations in the US and Europe"
- jen.jiji.com — Five Palestinians dead and dozens missing after building collapse in Gaza City
- www.france24.com — China projecting image of 'stabilising force in world politics', expert says
- thelogicalindian.com — India Approves Emergency Power Supply To Flood-Hit Nepal Amid Deepening Hydropower Crisis
- www.thestar.com.my — Nine days in the dark
-
Mechanical foreman rescued after 9 days trapped in Nepal tunnel
Sanjay Sah, a 30-year-old mechanical foreman, survived nine days trapped in a tunnel control room at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Plant following August 26 flash floods. The Nepali Army rescued Sah and one other worker from the Trishuli valley site. Sah survived by drinking floodwater and seepage from mountain rock. This rescue occurs amid a larger disaster that has killed 1,369 people. India has provided over 130 tonnes of humanitarian aid, and DJI FlyCart 100 drones are delivering food to other survivors.
Why it matters
The August 26 floods caused widespread devastation across the region with thousands of people still missing. The rescue of workers from hydropower infrastructure highlights the scale of the collapse in the Trishuli valley. Efforts now focus on locating remaining missing persons.
What is confirmed
- Sanjay Sah survived nine days trapped in a hydropower tunnel in the Trishuli valley after August 26 flash floods.
- The Nepali Army rescued Sah and one other worker.
- Sah is a 30-year-old mechanical foreman at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Plant.
- The disaster has caused 1,369 deaths.
- India delivered more than 130 tonnes of humanitarian aid.
- DJI FlyCart 100 drones are being used to deliver food to survivors.
What to watch next
- Updates on the number of missing persons
- Further rescue operations at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Plant
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- jen.jiji.com — Ukraine, Zelensky proposes meeting with Putin at G20 in Miami: "We need to talk"
- jen.jiji.com — Car goes off road in Cuneo province: 26-year-old dies, pregnant wife injured
- news.sbs.co.kr — Surviving 9 Days on Muddy Water: A Miraculous Rescue
- www.thevibes.com — Left lane closed at Menora Tunnel landslide site as safety precaution
-
Nepal Flood Survivor Details Survival in Trishuli Valley Tunnel
Sanjay Sah survived nine days trapped in a dark hydropower tunnel in the Trishuli valley following the August 26 flash floods. Sah sustained himself by drinking seepage water from mountain rock and floodwater. He was one of two workers rescued by the Nepali Army. The broader disaster has claimed 1,369 lives, with thousands still missing. International efforts continue, including over 130 tonnes of humanitarian aid from India and the deployment of DJI FlyCart 100 drones to deliver food to survivors.
Why it matters
The August 26 floods caused catastrophic loss of life and infrastructure across Nepal. Rescue operations have transitioned from immediate extraction to forensic identification and long-term relief. The survival of workers after nine days underground highlights the extreme conditions faced by those trapped in the region's hydropower projects.
What is confirmed
- Sanjay Sah survived nine days in a dark tunnel by drinking floodwater and seepage water from mountain rock.
- The Nepali Army rescued two surviving workers from a Trishuli valley hydropower tunnel.
- Flash floods on August 26 in Nepal resulted in 1,369 deaths.
- India has delivered over 130 tonnes of humanitarian supplies via eight special flights.
Still unconfirmed
- DJI FlyCart 100 drones are being used to feed Nepal flood survivors.
What to watch next
- Updates on the number of remaining missing persons
- Results of forensic victim identification by Indian teams
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- jen.jiji.com — Ukraine, bombs on Kyiv: 2 injured. Russian raid on shopping center: death toll rises to 5
- jen.jiji.com — Serie A, today Venezia-Fiorentina: time, probable lineups and where to watch it on TV
- www.straitstimes.com — Trapped nine days in dark tunnel with no food, Nepal flood survivor refused to give up hope
- jen.jiji.com — US, Dems 11 percentage points ahead of GOP for House control
- DroneXL.co — DJI FlyCart 100s Feed Nepal Flood Survivors As US Taxes Them 100%
-
Nepal Flood Death Toll Reaches 1,369 as Relief Aid Arrives
The death toll from the August 26 flash floods in Nepal has climbed past 1,300, reaching 1,369 victims, while thousands of people remain missing. Rescue operations enter their fourteenth day, bolstered by international aid. India dispatched its eighth special flight delivering humanitarian supplies, bringing the total relief sent to over 130 tonnes. Indian teams are actively working on tunnel rescue operations and forensic victim identification. Meanwhile, Nepali Army personnel recently freed two surviving workers from a Trishuli valley hydropower tunnel after nine days underground.
Why it matters
The devastating flash floods were triggered by a glacier collapse in the Himalayas, exposing severe vulnerabilities in Nepal's heavy investments in water-powered plants. Investors had previously funded these hydropower projects without factoring in the growing instability of the region. A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Nepal late Tuesday night at a depth of 143 kilometres, compounding ongoing humanitarian challenges.
What is confirmed
- The death toll from the flash floods in Nepal has climbed to 1,369.
- India dispatched its eighth special flight carrying a fresh tranche of 35 tonnes of humanitarian aid.
- India has sent a total of over 130 tonnes of relief to Nepal since floods struck on August 26.
- Indian teams are actively assisting in tunnel rescue operations and forensic identification of victims.
- Rescue personnel freed two hydropower workers from a tunnel in the Trishuli valley nine days after the flood.
- A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Nepal late Tuesday night at a depth of 143 kilometres.
Still unconfirmed
- The death toll from the Nepal floods has climbed to more than 1,300.
What to watch next
- Updates on the search operations for thousands of missing people
- Further assessments of Himalayan glacier stability and risks to regional hydropower plants
- Deployment status of additional international rescue teams and specialized equipment
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.hindustantimes.com — Melting Glaciers and Monster Floods Threaten Nepal’s Big Bet on Hydropower
- english.mathrubhumi.com — Nepal flood exposes hydropower risks India cannot ignore
- www.newcastleherald.com.au — Nepal turns to drones to deliver flood disaster relief
- www.rediff.com — India sends fresh relief materials to flood-hit Nepal; toll rises to 1,365
- www.bbc.com — Watch: Crews race to rescue passengers from burning ferry in Philippines
- english.publictv.in — Nepal flood death toll rises to 1,369 as India sends eighth aid flight with over 130 tonnes of relief in total
-
Two Nepal Workers Rescued From Tunnel After Nine Days
Rescue personnel freed two hydropower workers from a tunnel in Nepal nine days after a glacier collapse triggered catastrophic flooding and mudslides. Nepali Army units carried Kabir Maharjan and mechanical foreman Sanjay Sah back into daylight from beneath wreckage and an air-filled chamber in the Trishuli valley. The survival milestone unfolded as rescue teams continued searching for thousands of missing people on the fourteenth day of operations. Concurrently, a 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Nepal late Tuesday night at a depth of 143 kilometres, compounding ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Why it matters
The dual disasters compound a massive humanitarian crisis across Nepal following deadly flash floods along the China border that initially left thousands unaccounted for. Rescue personnel have managed to save 13,583 individuals overall, including more than 300 foreign nationals, despite severe disruptions to healthcare access and fragmented disaster governance in the Himalayas. Seismologists expect limited surface impact from the recent deep-focus earthquake as assessments continue.
What is confirmed
- Hydropower worker Kabir Maharjan and mechanical foreman Sanjay Sah were rescued after spending nine days trapped in a tunnel beneath wreckage and inside an air-filled chamber in the Trishuli valley.
- A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Nepal late Tuesday at a depth of 143 kilometres with its epicentre recorded at latitude 29.022 N and longitude 83.978 E.
- Rescue personnel have successfully saved 13,583 individuals so far, including more than 300 foreign nationals.
Still unconfirmed
- Death tolls from the floods have reached between 1,366 and 1,398.
What to watch next
- Assessments of structural damage and casualties following the 5.0-magnitude earthquake.
- Further search and rescue operations for thousands of missing people in hydropower tunnels and flood zones.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.timesnownews.com — Report: How Two Men Miraculously Survived 9 Days In A Nepal Flood Tunnel
- www.marketscreener.com — How rescuers found Nepal tunnel workers alive after nine days
- www.deccanchronicle.com — 5.0 Earthquake Jolts Nepal Amid Flood Rescue Efforts
- www.newsx.com — Just Days After 1,300+ Die in Floods, Nepal Shaken Again by 5.0-Magnitude Earthquake
- www.thestar.com.my — Floods disrupt access to healthcare in Nepal
- www.outlookindia.com — Column | Environmental Cooperation Is A Prerequisite For Ensuring A Safer World
- www.thestar.com.my — Nepal seeks survivors two weeks after deadly floods
- news.webindia123.com — Nepal jolted by 5.0 earthquake amid ongoing flood rescue efforts as death toll reaches 1,366
-
Nepal Mourns 1,398 Flood Victims as Search for Missing Continues
Nepal observed a national day of mourning on Monday for victims of catastrophic glacial floods along the China border. While rescuers saved Lu Haitao from a hydropower tunnel and a 60-year-old woman from a building, the death toll has reached 1,398. Search operations continue for thousands of missing people, including more than 100 hydropower workers feared trapped in tunnels. Authorities are managing a crisis where 5,500 people remain unaccounted for following massive mudslides and flooding.
Why it matters
The disaster was triggered by glacial floods and mudslides near the border with China. The scale of the loss has prompted the government to declare a period of national mourning. Recovery efforts are complicated by the number of people trapped in industrial infrastructure.
What is confirmed
- Nepal observed a national day of mourning on Monday, September 7, 2026.
- The flood death toll has surpassed 1,380.
- Rescuers are searching for thousands of missing people.
Still unconfirmed
- More than 100 hydropower workers are feared trapped in tunnels.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the final death toll
- Updates on the status of the 100 missing hydropower workers
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- apnews.com — Nepal flood survivor’s family in China relieved after days of anxious waiting
- wsau.com — Nepal marks national mourning day after deadly flood
- punchng.com — Nepal mourns 1,398 flood victims as rescue work continues
- www.aol.com — Nepal marks national mourning day after deadly flood
- nypost.com — Grieving Nepal continues flood search efforts on Hindu day of mourning as death toll surpasses 1,380
-
Two More Survivors Rescued in Nepal 10 Days After Floods
Emergency crews in Nepal pulled two survivors from disaster zones 10 days after devastating flash floods struck the region. Rescuers extracted a Chinese man from a 738-foot hydropower tunnel near the border with China. Teams also located a 60-year-old woman alive inside a four-story building. These unexpected extractions injected renewed urgency into ongoing search efforts as authorities race to locate thousands of people still missing across China and Nepal following the catastrophic weather event.
Why it matters
The recent finds arrive amid a massive bilateral search operation involving China and Nepal. Previous flooding death tolls reached over 1,300 victims. Search teams continue combing affected zones where more than 5,500 individuals remain unaccounted for across both countries.
What is confirmed
- Rescuers pulled a Chinese national from a 738-foot hydropower tunnel 10 days after devastating floods.
- A 60-year-old woman was found alive in a four-story building following flash floods on the border with China.
- More than 5,500 people remain missing in China and Nepal after catastrophic floods.
- Devastating floods killed over 1,300 people.
What to watch next
- Updates on the medical conditions of the newly rescued survivors
- Progress of search teams locating the thousands of still-missing individuals
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.cnn.com — Two more people rescued in Nepal 10 days after devastating floods
- nypost.com — Rescuers in Nepal miraculously pull survivor from tunnel 10 days after deadly floods
- kanaknews.com — ମୃତ୍ୟୁକୁ ହରାଇ ଫେରିଲେ ଶ୍ରମିକ | Spl Report On Nepal Flood | 2 Workers Survive 9 Days After Flash Flood
- www.aljazeera.com — China, Nepal race to find thousands still missing 12 days after floods
- e.vnexpress.net — Two Nepal rescues revive hopes 10 days after flood
-
Two Workers Rescued From Nepal Hydropower Tunnel After Nine Days
Rescue teams pulled two workers alive from a hydropower tunnel in Nepal nine days after catastrophic floods. The survivors were transported by helicopter to medical facilities and moved via stretchers into ambulances. This rescue follows a disaster that killed more than 1,000 people and left thousands missing. The successful extraction provides hope for the recovery of other trapped individuals as search operations continue across the flood-affected regions.
Why it matters
The rescue occurred amid a widespread disaster involving deadly flash floods and landslides. Some families in the region have resorted to symbolic cremations because bodies remain missing.
What is confirmed
- Two workers were rescued alive from a hydropower tunnel nine days after floods in Nepal.
- The floods killed more than 1,000 people.
Still unconfirmed
- Thousands of people are missing following the floods.
- The floods are believed to have killed thousands.
What to watch next
- Reports on additional rescues from the hydropower tunnel or other sites.
- Official updates on the total death toll and number of missing persons.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (9)
- NBC News — Two trapped workers are pulled alive from Nepal tunnel more than a week after deadly floods
- nytimes.com — Workers Rescued From Tunnel in Nepal 9 Days After Flood
- nytimes.com — Families Turn to Symbolic Cremation After Nepal Floods
- WSJ — Opinion | Mountains, Mountains, All Fall Down
- The Hill — China exerts tight grip on information after floods
- www.foxnews.com — Trapped Nepal workers pulled alive from tunnel 9 days after deadly flooding, raising hope for more rescues
- www.yahoo.com — Trapped workers rescued from hydropower tunnel nine days after Nepal floods
- www.usatoday.com — 2 rescued from Nepal hydropower tunnel 9 days after deadly slide
- www.aol.com — Staggering moment trapped survivors pulled from hydropower tunnel 9 days after Nepal flood
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community