Complex rescue operations continue across Nepal following a catastrophic flash flood that submerged entire villages and struck hydroelectric tunnel facilities along the Trishuli River. Workers who managed to escape the disaster have described navigating pitch-black tunnels as rising water and mud threatened to drag them into the depths.
Ram Chandra, one of the workers trapped inside a tunnel, recounted the terrifying moments: "The water was rising and it was difficult to move my legs. If I had let go of the ladder rung I was holding onto, I would have fallen to my death." He and his group clung to ladder rungs on the tunnel ceiling for six hours before finally reaching the tunnel entrance. Chandra added that "there were six of us, and later we found one more person at the tunnel gate."
When they emerged from the flooded tunnels, the full scale of devastation left by the flood became apparent. The historic disaster, caused by collapsing glaciers and debris flowing from the mountains, stretched along 100 kilometers and resulted in hundreds of deaths, burying entire communities beneath mud.
More than 900 workers at hydroelectric energy facilities in the region are listed as missing. So far, approximately 279 workers have been rescued or managed to escape on their own, but grave concerns remain for the fate of the rest.
Nepal's Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, clarified on his social media account that rescuing workers trapped inside the facilities is currently the top priority for emergency forces.
Madan Singh Budha, a worker who was present at the site as he was leaving a night shift, described the moments of escape: "When I looked outside, I could see water, so I started running up the hill." He noted that "the hill was rocky, with grass growing between them. We grabbed onto that grass as we climbed." He described how "those who couldn't climb up were swept away."
Most survivors who came from remote areas in western Nepal lost family members and friends in the disaster. Many were left without basic equipment or clothing, which was torn during their struggle against the powerful current.
Bhakti Ram Bohara, another survivor, estimated that of approximately 1,000 workers in the area, only about 100 managed to get out alive. He spoke tearfully about his brother-in-law who remains missing in the tunnels, saying "his wife is my sister, and she is pregnant."
Meanwhile, rescue teams at the Trishuli 3A drainage facility attempted to drill a special hole to pump in air and lower food to those trapped. Despite calls and searches using ropes, no signs of life were detected from the tunnel.
Geologist Arnold Dix, who is advising the emergency teams, noted that the structure itself may have withstood the flood pressure, but the condition of the tunnels remains unclear. Dix explained that "we don't know how much of this tunnel is filled with mud or water... so we may need to dig 10 meters, or we may need to dig 100 meters."
Amar Bista, a tour guide who rushed to the area to help search for his relatives, spoke of the enormous difficulty: "Everyone is from my area, you know." He added that "people are still hoping... but the reality is harsh."
Bista shared his painful feelings: "Many nights I can't sleep because I'm crying. You know, like some of my cousins, my sisters, they lost their children. You can only imagine, 18-year-old children."
Bista noted that "nobody wants to go back there... but they want their friends back," adding that "we want people to know that we tried our best to bring our friends back... even if we find the bodies it will give some comfort to our souls."
