Nepal flood rescue in hydropower tunnels

On August 26, a massive flash flood caused by a glacier collapse swept down the Trishuli valley in Nepal, devastating at least six hydropower plants, three of which were under construction. The flood killed more than 1,200 people and left over 4,000 missing, including about 900 workers from the plants. Rescue efforts, coordinated by the Nepal — Nepali Army and India — Central Electricity Authority, have focused on searching tunnels where workers may have taken refuge. Engineers have used a Meta Platforms — WhatsApp group with over 500 members to share layout drawings and tunnel access details, aiding rescue teams in locating and reaching blocked tunnels. As of September 4, no survivors have been found in the tunnels, but efforts continue at sites including Chilime, Rasuwagadhi, Upper Trishuli 3A, and Upper Trishuli 1. The flood wiped out 10% of Nepal's generation capacity, impacting power supply and exports.