Following catastrophic Himalayan flooding caused by an August 26 glacial and mountain collapse on the China-Nepal border, two men were rescued alive from deep inside the Trishuli 3A hydropower tunnel after being trapped for nine days in mud and darkness.
Key Details of the Rescue
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The Survivors: The rescued individuals are Sanjay Shah (30), a foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a mechanical supervisor. Shah was rescued first and was in a stable condition, while Maharjan was placed in intensive care.
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Location and Depth: Both men were extracted from a depth of 170 meters within the massive 4.5-kilometer-long tunnel structure.
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Survival Factors: According to experts and monitoring teams, deep underground sections of the tunnel contained a stable air pocket with breathable oxygen and trapped water, which protected the men from drowning or direct impact as they fled rising floodwaters.
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Renewed Hope: The successful extraction of the two workers has revitalized rescue efforts and renewed hope for at least 35 additional workers still believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.
Ongoing Operations Rescue teams, supported by international experts from India, China, and South Korea, are continuing operations at the site and other affected hydropower projects. Rescuers have been clearing tons of debris with excavators while pushing pipes inside to pump clean air and prevent the atmosphere from turning toxic.
