Over 900 Trapped in Nepal’s Flood-Damaged Tunnels; Rescue Operations Continue Amid Hope and Desperation A catastrophic flood in Nepal has left over 900 people missing, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped in hydroelectric project tunnels. The disaster, triggered by sudden monsoon rains, has devastated the Trishuli River region, submerging infrastructure and displacing thousands. As of now, more than 279 individuals have been rescued, but the search for the missing continues in the face of treacherous conditions. The Scale of the Crisis The flood, which struck on August 29, overwhelmed the Trishuli-3A hydroelectric project and other sites, trapping workers in underground tunnels. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Independent Power Producers Association, at least 897 people are still unaccounted for, including engineers, laborers, and support staff. The disaster has also displaced hundreds of local residents, with many seeking shelter in makeshift camps. Rescue Efforts and Challenges Rescue operations have involved a mix of local and international teams, including the Nepali Army, helicopters, and technical experts. Teams have used air compressors to pump oxygen into tunnels, a critical step in sustaining trapped individuals. However, the process has been slow, with families pleading for faster action. One survivor, Shiva Giri, shared his harrowing escape. After the flood submerged the Malung hydroelectric project, Giri and his colleagues fled to higher ground, walking for 12 hours through dense forests before taking refuge in a cave. “We had no choice but to climb,” he told Nepal News. “Every second counted.” Eventually, a helicopter rescued the group, transporting them to Kathmandu for medical care.#nepal #trishuli_river #nepal_electricity_authority #independent_power_producers_association #ndrrma
China and Nepal Dispute Causes of Nepal Floods, Casualties Rise Nepal’s Rasuwa district has been devastated by catastrophic floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, with both China and Nepal offering conflicting explanations for the disaster. China attributes the flooding to landslides, while Nepal claims the flood originated from Tibet. The incident has resulted in 22 confirmed deaths and 384 people missing, prompting urgent rescue operations. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered emergency measures to locate missing individuals and ensure the safety of affected communities. The flood, which struck the region on July 20, 2025, has caused widespread destruction, particularly in Rasuwa and neighboring districts. Reports indicate that the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers overflowed, submerging villages and damaging infrastructure. The Chinese government’s state-run Xinhua news agency stated that landslides triggered the disaster, while Nepali authorities insist the flood began in Tibet. This disagreement has sparked debates over the exact cause of the deluge, with both nations emphasizing their respective perspectives. China’s border region, specifically the Gyarong area in the southern-western Sichuan province, has also suffered significant damage. Local officials reported that the flood’s impact extended beyond Nepal, affecting Chinese communities. Rescue teams are actively searching for missing persons, with efforts focused on the riverbanks where the most severe destruction occurred. Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) provided additional details, noting that a glacial landslide blocked a river, causing water to accumulate and eventually burst. Satellite imagery analysis confirmed that glacial melt contributed to the flood’s intensity.#nepal #china #rasuwa_district #bhote_koshi_river #trishuli_river
