Two workers trapped inside a tunnel in Nepal were rescued alive on Friday, September 4, 2026, more than a week after devastating floods and landslides hit the country.
The workers had been trapped under heavy debris at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project. Rescue teams worked for several days to reach them after the disaster damaged parts of the project and buried areas around the tunnel.
Nepali government officials confirmed that the first worker was safely brought out of the tunnel. A second worker was rescued shortly afterwards. Their successful rescue brought a moment of hope to a country still dealing with the effects of the disaster.
Workers Trapped Under Debris
The two workers had remained inside the tunnel since the floods struck. Large amounts of mud, rocks and other debris made it difficult for rescue teams to reach the trapped workers.
Rescuers had to work carefully because the damaged area remained dangerous. The possibility of further landslides and unstable ground created additional challenges for the teams.
The safe rescue of the two workers showed the importance of continued search operations, even more than a week after the disaster.
Floods Cause Widespread Destruction
The disaster has caused extensive damage across several parts of Nepal. The floods, reportedly linked to a glacier collapse on August 26, caused rivers to rise rapidly and sent large amounts of water and debris into towns and valleys.
Homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure were damaged or destroyed. Several remote communities were also cut off, making rescue and relief operations difficult.
The disaster has become one of the country’s most serious recent emergencies.
Death Toll Rises to 1,282
The death toll from the disaster rose to 1,282 on Friday, while more than 4,700 people remain missing, according to the latest figures.
Authorities are still working to identify victims and locate people who have not been accounted for.
The situation is particularly worrying in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, where around 600 children are still reported missing.
Search Operations Continue
Nepal’s security forces continue to search affected areas for missing people. Nearly 4,800 people are still being searched for across the disaster-hit regions, according to the latest reports.
Rescue teams are using equipment and specialist skills to search through collapsed structures, tunnels and areas covered by mud and debris.
The difficult terrain and damaged roads are slowing down the operations, but authorities say the search will continue.
A Moment of Hope
The rescue of the two workers has provided some hope to families still waiting for news about their missing relatives.
Although the disaster has caused a huge loss of life, the successful operation at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project shows that survivors may still be found in some areas.
Rescue and recovery teams are expected to continue their work in the coming days as Nepal tries to locate missing people, recover victims and provide support to communities affected by the floods.