WORLD NEWSCONVEY
THE GUARDIAN — WORLD·SEPTEMBER 3, 2026·✓ MULTI-SOURCE

Dozens of trapped hydropower tunnel workers in Nepal could still be alive, official says

VERIFIED FACTS
  • 01Nepal authorities state that at least 639 workers from hydropower plants along the Bhote Koshi and Triushuli rivers remain missing following flash floods triggered by a glacier collapse on the Nepal-Tibet border.
  • 02At least 1,252 people have been confirmed dead and more than 4,200 remain missing as a result of the floods, which traveled up to 60 miles at speeds of 100mph (160km/h).
  • 03Rescuers are searching for 46 people believed to be trapped in an underground chamber at the Rasuwagadhi hydropower plant, where officials claim air pockets and stored food and water sustain life.
  • 04An estimated 2.2 million tonnes of debris were created by the disaster, burying hydropower tunnels and blocking entrances in Rasuwa and Trishuli districts.
  • 05More than 270 people have been rescued so far, with major operations ongoing at the Rasuwagadhi and Upper Trishuli 3A facilities, where authorities estimate 30 to 40 survivors may exist in the Upper Trishuli tunnels.
  • 06The Nepali army, assisted by experts from India, China, South Korea, and Australia, is using excavators and other technology to access tunnels blocked by thick mud.
  • 07Family members of missing workers have been waiting at government offices for eight days, accusing authorities of withholding information and failing to accelerate rescue efforts.
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human suffering on an unfathomable scaleworst-hitdeadlydark tunnelmiraclewithholding informationpainful

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SUMMARY

Rescue teams are searching for approximately 639 missing workers trapped in flooded hydropower tunnels in Nepal after a glacier collapse triggered devastating flash floods that killed at least 1,252 people. Authorities remain confident that dozens of survivors exist in air pockets at the Rasuwagadhi and Upper Trishuli 3A sites, aided by international experts, while families criticize the government for lack of communication and slow response.

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