Two Workers Rescued After Nine Days Trapped in Nepal Tunnel

Rescuers in Nepal pulled two workers alive from a hydropower tunnel on Friday, nine days after devastating floods trapped them inside, officials said.

Emergency teams are continuing efforts to reach other workers believed to be trapped inside the tunnel of the Trishuli 3A hydropower project.

The tunnel was hit by floods on August 26, with the disaster likely triggered by a glacier collapse. The floods devastated nearby towns and swept away several villages.

Army spokesperson Brig Gen Raja Ram Basnet confirmed the rescue of the first worker, while Nepalese lawmaker Shri Ram Neupane later announced the rescue of the second worker on Facebook.

Officials identified the rescued men as a mechanical foreman and a mechanical supervisor. Television footage showed one of them covered in mud and being carried from the site on a rescuer's shoulder. Both are now under medical observation.

According to the Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal, at least 557 workers from the Trishuli 3A project remain missing, with around 115 believed to be trapped inside the main tunnel.

Rescue officials said they remained hopeful that more people could still be alive inside. Communication Minister Bikram Timilsina also expressed hope that additional workers would be rescued.

The floods have killed at least 1,259 people in Nepal, while more than 5,000 remain missing, according to the country's disaster management agency.

Across Nepal, around 900 workers from 12 hydropower projects have been reported missing, with roughly 500 believed to be trapped inside tunnels, local authorities said.