KATHMANDU, Nepal — Rescue crews are racing to reach hundreds of workers believed to be trapped inside hydropower tunnels after catastrophic flooding devastated parts of Nepal and Tibet.
More than 900 people have died in Nepal, and over 4,200 remain missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals. Authorities say the floods damaged 12 hydropower projects in Nepal’s Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts.
A power industry group estimates about 900 workers are unaccounted for, with at least 500 believed to be trapped inside the tunnels. Some workers were able to call for help after the flooding began last Wednesday, but rescuers fear time is running out.
Experts say the tunnels are large enough for vehicles and may provide shelter and some access to oxygen, raising hopes that survivors could still be found. However, food, water and unstable conditions are making rescue efforts more difficult.
The disaster was triggered by a massive glacial collapse high in the Himalayas. The collapse sent rock, ice and water rushing into rivers, creating powerful flash floods that destroyed roads, bridges and entire communities across the border region.
Families from Nepal, India and other countries continue searching for loved ones who disappeared during the disaster, including pilgrims caught at a border crossing when floodwaters swept through the area.
