Story perspectives

Nepal Rescues Trishuli 3A Tunnel Workers After Flood

9/5/2026

Summary

Nepal Rescue Efforts

The Nepal army rescued foreman Sanjay Sah and supervisor Kabir Maharjan from the Trishuli 3A tunnel nine days after the flood.
Rescue teams located tunnel entrances using satellite images and a WhatsApp group of over 500 engineers.
Technical experts from India, China, South Korea and Australia assisted the army with excavation and blasting.
The Independent Power Producers Association reported 557 workers missing from Trishuli 3A, including about 115 trapped in the tunnel.

Summary

Officials Warn

Nearly 300 grass-effigy cremations have been performed at Kathmandu’s riverfront temple for missing flood victims.
Health officials warn cholera and diarrheal disease risks because flood-contaminated water supplies remain unrepaired.
At least seven hospitals and health centers were destroyed or severely damaged, leaving thousands without care.
UNICEF reports 2,500-3,000 shelter residents suffer acute psychological trauma after losing family members.

History

Historical Context

The April 25 2015 magnitude-7.8 Gorkha earthquake shattered Nepal, killing about 8,857 people and also causing deaths in India and China. That disaster spurred regional cooperation, with India and China later joining Nepalese teams to rescue workers trapped in the 2024 Trishuli 3A tunnel flood. The event underscored the growing emphasis on cross-border disaster-risk planning.

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Nepal Rescue Efforts

The Nepal army rescued foreman Sanjay Sah and supervisor Kabir Maharjan from the Trishuli 3A tunnel nine days after the flood.
Rescue teams located tunnel entrances using satellite images and a WhatsApp group of over 500 engineers.
Technical experts from India, China, South Korea and Australia assisted the army with excavation and blasting.
The Independent Power Producers Association reported 557 workers missing from Trishuli 3A, including about 115 trapped in the tunnel.

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