At least 933 workers are believed to be trapped at several hydropower projects in Nepal following the devastating floods and landslides that hit the country last week.
Nepal’s disaster management authority shared the information on Monday, August 31, 2026, as rescue teams continued their efforts to understand the full scale of the disaster.
The floods have caused widespread destruction across several areas, damaging roads, bridges, homes and important infrastructure. Hydropower projects have also been badly affected, leaving many workers stranded in difficult conditions.
Prime Minister Calls Situation Heartbreaking
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah described the situation as “unimaginable and heartbreaking.”
Authorities are still assessing the damage caused by the floods and landslides. The full number of people affected may increase as rescue teams reach areas that remain difficult to access.
The disaster has created major challenges for emergency workers because many roads and communication networks have been damaged.
Huge Wave of Water and Debris
The disaster began on Wednesday, August 19, when a massive flow of water, ice, rocks and other debris moved through villages and towns.
The powerful flow destroyed buildings and infrastructure in several locations. People living in affected areas were forced to leave their homes as floodwaters and debris spread through communities.
The combination of floods, landslides and large amounts of debris made rescue operations extremely difficult.
Death Toll Continues to Rise
The disaster has already caused at least 797 deaths in Nepal and Tibet, which is part of China and lies across Nepal’s northern border.
The death toll could change as authorities continue search and rescue operations and receive information from remote areas.
Many families are still waiting for information about relatives who may be missing or trapped.
Hydropower Projects Among Worst-Affected Areas
Nepal depends heavily on hydropower for electricity generation, and several projects are located in mountainous areas where access can be difficult.
The reported 933 trapped workers are connected to several hydropower projects affected by the disaster.
Rescue teams face serious challenges in reaching these locations because roads and bridges may have been damaged or completely washed away. Bad weather and unstable ground can also make rescue operations dangerous.
Authorities are working to identify the exact locations of the workers and determine the safest ways to reach them.
Rescue and Relief Efforts Continue
Emergency teams are continuing search and rescue operations in affected areas. The government is also assessing damage to infrastructure and working to provide assistance to people who have lost their homes or livelihoods.
The disaster has placed significant pressure on Nepal’s emergency services.
As rescue teams reach more communities, authorities are expected to receive a clearer picture of the damage and the number of people affected.
For now, the priority remains finding the missing workers, rescuing people trapped in isolated areas and providing emergency support to families affected by the floods.
The scale of the disaster has left Nepal facing a major humanitarian and infrastructure challenge, with rescue and recovery efforts expected to continue for some time.