Story perspectives

Nepal rescues Chinese worker from 225-meter tunnel

9/5/2026

Summary

**Nepali Army Rescues**

The Nepali army rescued Chinese worker Lu Haitao from a 225-meter tunnel at Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project.
Rescuers also saved 60-year-old Chandika Shrestha from a flooded three-story house in Betrawati.
At least 1,344 people died in the floods that hit Nepal and Tibet on August 26, 2026.
A UN report says about 35,000 need temporary shelter and 43,000 face immediate food insecurity.

Summary

**Zhang Maoming Visits**

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming visited the rescued Chinese national at the Nepalese military hospital.
The Nepalese Armed Police Force rescued the 64-year-old woman with a nine-member team.
Chinese embassy in Kathmandu coordinated her helicopter evacuation and provided medical updates.
The Gyirong border crossing in Xizang was buried, halting cross-border traffic after the mudslide.

Summary

**UN Launches Appeal**

United Nations launched a US$50 million appeal to aid more than 84,000 flood-affected people.
Over 1,030 bodies have been interred in mass graves after DNA samples were taken for identification.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah promised safe, comfortable accommodation for thousands living in temporary relief camps.
Nepal’s army deployed thermal drones in tunnel searches, reporting no detectable signs of life.
A 15-member Australian drone unit arrived to support tunnel search operations.

History

Historical Context

On 25 April 2015 a magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck Nepal, triggering a Pumori avalanche that killed at least 24 people at Everest Base Camp. The disaster forced the Nepalese government to close the Khumbu Icefall, ending the climbing season for the first time in 41 years. The 2026 floods in the same area have prompted Nepali authorities and neighboring partners to coordinate rescues and stress cross-border disaster protocols.

1 of 4

**Nepali Army Rescues**

The Nepali army rescued Chinese worker Lu Haitao from a 225-meter tunnel at Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project.
Rescuers also saved 60-year-old Chandika Shrestha from a flooded three-story house in Betrawati.
At least 1,344 people died in the floods that hit Nepal and Tibet on August 26, 2026.
A UN report says about 35,000 need temporary shelter and 43,000 face immediate food insecurity.

1 / 4