Two workers trapped inside a hydropower project tunnel in Nepal were rescued alive on Friday, nine days after devastating flash floods left them buried underground. Their rescue came as hopes of finding survivors were beginning to fade, making the operation a remarkable and emotional moment.
The workers were trapped inside the tunnel at the Trishuli-3A hydropower project after the floods caused heavy damage in the area. Rescue teams had been working for days to reach the workers and bring them out safely.
One of the rescued workers was Sanjay Sah, a mechanical engineer. Speaking about his time inside the tunnel, Sah said he faced a frightening and uncertain situation as he waited to find out whether he would survive.
During the difficult days underground, Sah said he kept chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. He said the chanting helped him remain calm and gave him hope while he was trapped between life and death.
The second worker rescued from the tunnel was Kabir Maharjan. Both men were finally brought out safely after the long rescue effort.
Their survival has been described as a remarkable turn of events, especially because they had spent nine days trapped inside the damaged hydropower project. Their rescue also brought relief to their families, rescuers and others who had been waiting for news.
The flash floods caused widespread destruction in parts of Nepal, damaging roads, buildings and infrastructure. The disaster also created dangerous conditions for rescue workers trying to reach people who were trapped.
Rescue teams continued their efforts despite the difficult conditions. Finding Sah and Maharjan alive after so many days has given new hope to those involved in rescue operations and highlighted the importance of continuing searches even when the chances of survival appear to be falling.
For Sah, surviving the ordeal was more than just a rescue. His account of repeatedly chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra shows how faith and hope helped him cope with fear during the long wait underground.
The safe rescue of the two workers has now become one of the most remarkable stories to emerge from the devastating floods in Nepal.