Nepal Trishuli 3A tunnel rescue

On September 4, 2026, nine days after a devastating flash flood struck the Nepal — Trishuli River valley in Nepal, rescue teams pulled two workers alive from a tunnel at the Upper Trishuli 3A. The rescued men were identified as Sanjay Saraogi, a mechanical foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a mechanical supervisor. They were airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment. The rescue followed a breakthrough when rescuers heard voices from inside the tunnel and established communication with the trapped workers. The Nepal — Nepali Army and India — Central Armed Police Forces, along with Chinese experts, intensified operations, using excavators and blasting to clear obstructions. The flash flood on August 26, triggered by the Nepal — Bhote Koshi River, killed at least 1,252 people and left over 5,000 missing, according to the Nepal — National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. The floods also damaged several hydropower projects, including the 60 MW Upper Trishuli 3A Project, and destroyed key road links. The Independent Power Producers Association, Nepal reported that 945 workers from 11 affected hydropower projects remained out of contact. The rescue has raised hopes that more workers may still be trapped alive inside the tunnel.