Two Workers Rescued After Nine Days Trapped in Nepal Hydropower Tunnel

Two workers were dramatically rescued from a flooded tunnel at Nepal’s Upper Trishuli 3A hydropower plant after spending approximately nine days trapped underground.

Nepali rescue teams extracted the men on September 4, 2026, after severe flooding struck the area on August 26.

The survivors were identified as Sanjay Sah, a mechanical foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a mechanical supervisor. Both were taken to a hospital in Kathmandu for medical evaluation and treatment.

Rescuers Heard Voices Underground

The rescue operation took a hopeful turn when rescuers heard voices coming from deep inside the tunnel.

The sound helped teams pinpoint the location of the trapped workers, allowing rescuers to reach them and bring them safely to the surface after days underground.

Their survival has raised hopes for hundreds of other workers who remain missing or could still be trapped inside hydropower tunnels following the devastating floods.

Another Worker Rescued From Separate Tunnel

The rescue effort continued to produce encouraging developments.

Subsequent reports on September 5 said that a Chinese national had also been rescued from a different tunnel in Nepal, approximately 10 days after the floods.

The discoveries have renewed hope among families waiting for news of missing workers as rescue teams continue searching underground facilities affected by the flooding.

Authorities and rescue crews are expected to continue their efforts to locate and assist anyone who may still be trapped.

Source: NPR