Two hydropower workers rescued alive after nine days trapped in Nepal tunnel

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Published: 2026-09-04T06:13:20.736Z • Permanent link

Rescue efforts in Nepal have brought closure to the harrowing ordeal of two hydropower workers trapped inside a tunnel for nine days. The Nepalese Army, supported by international aid, successfully extracted the workers from the flood-buried tunnel in Rasuwa, a district known for its hydroelectric infrastructure. Local authorities confirmed that the rescue was carried out at approximately 9:30 AM local time on Friday, bringing an end to the prolonged standoff. According to reports, the tunnel, which is part of a major hydropower project, was buried under a landslide triggered by recent monsoon rains. Two workers, identified as Ramesh Shrestha, 32, and Manish Gurung, 28, were trapped when the tunnel collapsed, leaving them without communication for nearly a decade.

Nepal's government has acknowledged the challenges posed by the disaster, with officials expressing relief at the successful rescue operation. In a statement, Nepal's Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, praised the efforts of the rescue team, saying, "The bravery and selflessness of the rescue team is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Nepalese people." The incident has also highlighted concerns about the safety and maintenance of Nepal's hydropower infrastructure, with experts warning of the potential risks of similar accidents in the future.

Rescue teams were deployed quickly, and local aid organizations played a significant role in mobilizing resources and personnel. The Nepalese Army, which has a reputation for responding effectively to natural disasters, worked closely with international partners, including the United Nations, to coordinate the rescue effort. The successful outcome is a significant relief to the families of the workers, who were anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.

The successful rescue of the two hydropower workers has significant implications for the Data Sources domain, particularly in terms of the safety and reliability of hydropower infrastructure. The incident highlights the potential risks associated with the maintenance and operation of hydroelectric facilities, which can be vulnerable to natural disasters and human error. Companies operating in the hydropower sector, such as Nepal's own hydropower giant, Nepal Power Corporation, will need to review their safety protocols and emergency response plans to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.

The rescue operation also underscores the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in responding to natural disasters. The Nepalese government's decision to seek assistance from international partners, including the United Nations, demonstrates the value of global cooperation in addressing the complex challenges posed by natural disasters. As researchers and analysts in the Data Sources domain, understanding the implications of such incidents is crucial for informing policy decisions and developing strategies to mitigate the risks associated with hydropower infrastructure.

The successful rescue of the two hydropower workers is part of a larger pattern of natural disasters affecting Nepal in recent years. The country has been hit by several significant earthquakes and landslides in the past decade, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness and response measures. In contrast, neighboring countries such as India and China have made significant investments in hydropower infrastructure, which has enabled them to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of climate change.