**Rescue Mission in Nepal: Two Workers Saved After Nine Days in Flooded Tunnel**
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In a remarkable rescue operation, two workers from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) were successfully pulled alive from a submerged tunnel on Friday, 4th September. Sanjay Shah, a mechanical foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a mechanical supervisor, had been trapped for nine days following devastating flash floods that struck Nepal in late August.
The Nepali Army reported the rescue via a Facebook video, showcasing the moment the two men were airlifted from the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Station, located along the Trishuli River. After their extraction, both men were immediately flown to a hospital in Kathmandu for medical care, where it was noted that they suffered from injuries to their hands and legs, along with symptoms indicative of a prolonged lack of oxygen.
In a statement following the rescue, the NEA confirmed that both Shah and Maharjan were in “normal” condition, following an assessment by medical staff after a visit from the authority’s executive director and deputy executive director. The NEA expressed its commitment to providing further treatment for the rescued workers.
Images from the scene depict the two survivors being carefully carried out of the tunnel, with army personnel ensuring they received timely medical attention. Reports indicated that upon regaining consciousness, Shah’s immediate inquiry was about the current day, illustrating the disorientation experienced during their prolonged ordeal.
Despite this successful outcome, the situation remains grim in the aftermath of the floods. As of the latest updates, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported a total of 1,287 recovered bodies, with approximately 5,083 individuals still officially missing. Additionally, nearly 5,400 people are currently receiving medical treatment due to flood-related injuries.
The catastrophic floods began on 26th August, leading to significant devastation across the region. Pemba Dundu Tamang, another worker who narrowly escaped the tunnel in the flood’s initial chaos, recounted his harrowing experience. He described running away from rapidly rising water, just as it pursued him towards the tunnel’s entrance.
Tamang faced an unfathomable personal tragedy, having lost six family members in the flood, including his older brother, sister-in-law, their three children, and his mother. Reflecting on his escape, Tamang lamented the loss of his home: “After I came out, I could see where my house should have been. There was nothing left. That was when I realised everything was gone.”
The flooding has resulted in widespread destruction, impacting over 7,500 homes, as well as numerous government buildings, schools, health facilities, and vital infrastructure such as suspension bridges. As rescue efforts continue, officials remain hopeful that more survivors may emerge from the flooded regions. In remarks to the BBC, Shah’s colleague, Suresh Chaudhari, expressed his relief at the news of their rescue, stating, “This has given hope that others will also be rescued alive.”
As the situation unfolds, families across Nepal are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones, with communities uniting in support of those affected by this natural disaster. The NEA committed to not only providing care for Shah and Maharjan but also extending assistance to the broader recovery efforts needed in the aftermath of an event that has profoundly impacted the country.