Rescue teams in Nepal are racing against time amid catastrophic flooding and landslides that struck on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. At least 472 people have died, thousands remain missing, and more than 100 construction workers are believed trapped inside an underground tunnel at the Upper Trishuli Hydropower Project site in Rasuwa District—near the Nepal-China border.
Massive Flooding and Landslide Devastate Remote Regions
The disaster was triggered by torrential rains that unleashed flash floods and a massive landslide along the Bhote Koshi River. Entire villages have been buried under mud, roads have turned into rivers of sludge, and vehicles lie half-submerged across affected areas. Infrastructure has been severely damaged, hampering access for emergency responders.
Heroic Rescue Efforts Under Extreme Conditions
The Nepali Army has launched a large-scale, high-risk operation to reach those stranded. According to official statements, 350 people—including workers and local residents—have already been rescued from the hydropower tunnel. In total, 883 individuals have been saved so far during the ongoing flood crisis.
Rajya Ram Basnet, a spokesperson for the Nepali Armed Forces, confirmed to Agence France-Presse that reports of people trapped inside the Trishuli tunnel were received shortly after the landslide hit. Rescue teams worked through treacherous terrain, unstable slopes, and rising water levels to reach survivors.
Mounting Concerns Over a Growing Danger Zone
Authorities warn that the situation remains perilous—not only due to the trapped workers but also because of a newly formed glacial lake upstream near the Nepal-China border. The lake, created by accumulated floodwater blocked behind natural debris dams, poses a serious risk of overflow or sudden breach—a potential secondary disaster threatening downstream communities.
With rescue operations continuing around the clock and weather forecasts warning of further heavy rainfall, hopes for the remaining missing workers hang in the balance. The international community is closely monitoring developments as Nepal confronts one of its worst natural disasters in recent years.