Nepal races to find hundreds stuck in hydropower tunnels following floods - France 24
Published September 20, 2026
Nepal Mobilizes Efforts to Rescue Hundreds Trapped in Hydropower Tunnels After Floods
In the wake of devastating floods, Nepal is urgently working to locate and rescue hundreds of individuals trapped within hydropower tunnels. The floods, triggered by heavy rainfall, have caused significant damage to infrastructure and disrupted lives across the region.
Authorities estimate that approximately 300 people are stranded in the tunnels of the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project, located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Kathmandu. The project, which is a crucial part of Nepal's energy strategy, has been affected by the sudden influx of water, leading to a dire situation for those inside.
The Nepal Army and police have been deployed to assist in the rescue operations, utilizing specialized equipment and teams trained for such emergencies. Rescue efforts are complicated by the ongoing adverse weather conditions, which have hampered access to the affected areas and made the tunnels hazardous for rescue personnel.
Officials have reported that the situation is critical, with the trapped individuals lacking adequate food and water supplies. The government has been coordinating with various agencies to ensure that resources are mobilized quickly to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts.
Local residents have expressed their concerns, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in hydropower projects, especially given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events attributed to climate change. The floods have raised questions about the resilience of Nepal's infrastructure and the preparedness of the nation to handle such natural disasters.
As the search and rescue operations continue, the government has also initiated an investigation into the circumstances that led to the flooding of the hydropower tunnels. This inquiry aims to understand the extent of the damage and to identify any potential lapses in safety protocols that may have contributed to the crisis.
In addition to the immediate rescue efforts, the floods have prompted discussions about the broader implications for Nepal's energy sector. The country has been heavily investing in hydropower as a source of renewable energy, with plans to harness its vast water resources to meet domestic energy needs and export electricity to neighboring countries.
However, the recent floods serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with such projects, particularly in the context of climate change and the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive risk assessments and the implementation of robust safety measures to protect both infrastructure and the communities that rely on them.
As Nepal navigates this challenging situation, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of those trapped in the hydropower tunnels and preventing future disasters through improved planning and preparedness. The government has pledged to prioritize the rescue operations and provide support to affected families as they begin to recover from this natural calamity.
The coming days will be critical as rescue teams work tirelessly to bring those trapped to safety while addressing the broader implications of the floods on Nepal's energy infrastructure and disaster preparedness strategies.
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