Miraculous Rescue: Two Workers Saved from Nepal Tunnel After Devastating Floods

In a dramatic rescue operation, two workers were saved from a tunnel in Nepal nine days after a flash flood devastated the region. Kabir Maharjan and Sanjay Sah faced harrowing conditions, with Maharjan in critical condition and Sah recounting his experience of staying behind to ensure others' safety. As rescue efforts continue, the death toll from the floods has tragically risen, with many still missing. This article explores the challenges faced during the rescue and the emotional responses from the families involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 4, 2026, 14:31 IST

Rescue Operation in Nepal

In a remarkable turn of events, two individuals were rescued from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Nepal, nine days following a flash flood that ravaged the Trishuli River corridor.

The rescued men have been identified as Kabir Maharjan, 45, a mechanical supervisor, and Sanjay Sah, 30, a foreman, as reported by the Nepal Army's Public Relations Directorate.

Maharjan has been airlifted to Kathmandu due to his critical condition, while Sah is receiving care at the Trishuli hospital in Nuwakot, according to spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet.

Maharjan's wife expressed immense gratitude, stating that her husband had been given a 'second life' and thanked the brave rescuers who risked their safety for his.

Hira Shobha, Maharjan's wife, shared her relief, saying, 'We are incredibly happy. We had been waiting, and now I am heading to the hospital to see him.'

She described the past days as agonizing for her family, stating, 'It was a challenging time. We struggled to eat or sleep.'

Hira emphasized their unwavering belief that Maharjan would return, despite the prolonged wait, and expressed her heartfelt thanks to the rescue team.

Sah, hailing from Saptari district in Madhesh province, recounted his decision to stay behind during the disaster, feeling a duty to ensure everyone's safety.

He was in the control room when the flood struck and urged others to evacuate, but it was too late for him to escape.

While trapped, Sah recited mantras to keep his spirits up and communicated with a few others nearby.

He mentioned that there might be more individuals trapped deeper within the tunnel, particularly around the powerhouse, as the floodwaters could have swept them further in.

The Nepal Army has been leading the search and rescue efforts, utilizing specialized equipment to locate those still missing.

Rescuers had previously detected voices from within the tunnel, prompting intensified efforts to reach those believed to be trapped.

The Independent Power Producers' Association of Nepal reported that over 600 workers at 11 hydropower projects are still unaccounted for.

The death toll from the flash floods in Nepal has tragically risen to 1,282, with more than 4,700 individuals still missing.

These floods, caused by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, have devastated numerous towns and villages across northern and central Nepal.