Nepal rescuers race to reach hundreds feared trapped in hydropower tunnels

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Published: 2026-08-31T14:30:19.837Z • Permanent link

Rescue teams from Nepal's government and private sector are racing against time to reach hundreds of workers feared trapped in hydropower tunnels after last week's devastating flash floods. According to official reports, more than 900 workers are missing, with many believed to be stuck in underground areas at 11 sites across the country. The Himalayan nation's hydropower sector is one of the most vulnerable to natural disasters, with many of its power plants located in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

The Nepalese government has deployed thousands of personnel, including military units, police, and engineers, to search for the missing workers. The rescue efforts are being supported by international organizations, including the United Nations, which has dispatched a team of experts to assist with the rescue operations. Meanwhile, the Nepalese Power Development Company (NPDC), the state-owned electricity generator, has suspended all operations at its hydropower plants until the rescue efforts are completed.

Lack of transparency and communication has been a major concern for many of the families of the missing workers, with some expressing frustration at the lack of information from the authorities. The Nepalese government has promised to provide regular updates on the rescue efforts, but many are still waiting for news about their loved ones.

The devastating flash floods in Nepal have significant implications for the country's hydropower sector, which is a major contributor to the nation's economy. The sector is also a major source of employment for thousands of workers, many of whom are migrant laborers from rural areas. The impact of the floods on the sector will be felt not only in Nepal but also in neighboring countries, which rely on Nepal's hydropower for electricity.

The Nepalese government has also come under pressure to review its disaster management policies and procedures, following the devastating floods. The country's hydropower sector is heavily dependent on international funding and support, and the government will need to demonstrate its ability to manage risks and mitigate the impact of natural disasters. The Nepalese Power Development Company (NPDC) has also faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, with some accusing the company of prioritizing profits over safety.

The devastating flash floods in Nepal are part of a larger pattern of natural disasters affecting the country's hydropower sector. In recent years, Nepal has experienced several major floods and landslides, including a devastating 2017 flood that killed over 100 people and displaced thousands. The country's hydropower sector is also vulnerable to climate change, with rising temperatures and changing weather patterns expected to increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters.