Rescue Operations Continue at Nepal's Trishuli Hydropower Project After Devastating Floods

In a significant development, two workers have been rescued from the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in Nepal, nine days after catastrophic floods ravaged the area. The rescue operation, which involved the Nepal Army and Armed Police Force, has raised hopes for the recovery of more trapped individuals. As rescue teams work tirelessly under challenging conditions, the latest reports indicate a tragic toll of over 1,200 fatalities and thousands still missing. The floods have severely impacted the hydropower sector, prompting urgent efforts to restore communication and safety for those affected. This article delves into the ongoing rescue efforts and the broader implications of the disaster.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 4, 2026, 13:16 IST

Rescue Efforts Yield Results

Trapped workers rescued from Trishuli Hydropower project, 9 days after deadly Bhotekoshi floods (Photo: IANS)

Kathmandu, Sep 4: On Friday, two workers were successfully rescued from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in Nepal, nine days following severe flash floods that devastated the Trishuli River area. This development has raised hopes for the potential rescue of more individuals still trapped.

The rescued individuals were identified as Kabir Maharjan, 45, a supervisor from Kathmandu, and Sanjaya Sah, 30, a foreman hailing from Saptari district, as reported by the Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister's Secretariat.

According to the secretariat, both men are being transported to a hospital in Kathmandu after being airlifted from the site.

Sah was the first to be rescued on Friday, followed shortly by Maharjan, as rescue teams and security forces ramped up their efforts at the flood-affected site.

The breakthrough in the rescue operation occurred when rescuers detected voices emanating from the tunnel and managed to establish communication with those believed to be trapped inside. In response, the Nepal Army and Armed Police Force intensified their efforts to create a safe passage to the workers.

Rescue teams called out to the trapped individuals, advising them to remain calm as operations progressed under challenging conditions.

A collaborative rescue team, including members from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Chinese experts, has been deployed to the location, as stated by the minister's secretariat. The team is utilizing five excavators, compressors, and breakers, while also enhancing tunnel drilling and holing operations to reach the trapped workers.

During the operation, a large rock was discovered obstructing the tunnel, prompting blasting operations to clear the blockage and facilitate further rescue efforts.

This rescue operation comes in the wake of a catastrophic flash flood that struck the Trishuli River valley on August 26, resulting in significant damage to infrastructure and hydropower projects along the corridor.

As per the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), at least 1,252 fatalities have been confirmed, with 5,053 individuals still unaccounted for as of Thursday evening.

The floods have had a severe impact on the hydropower sector, with the 60-MW Upper Trishuli 3A Project being one of the affected facilities. Additionally, several critical roadways have been compromised, hindering rescue and relief efforts.

The Independent Power Producers’ Association, which represents private-sector power developers, reported on Thursday evening that 945 workers from 11 hydropower projects affected by the floods remain unreachable.