New Delhi,  August 28, 2026

A major rescue operation is underway in flood-ravaged Nepal after devastating flash floods caused widespread destruction across the country’s northern border region. The Nepal Army has rescued around 350 workers and local residents who were trapped inside a hydropower tunnel, including 63 Indian nationals. However, the crisis is far from over, with around 100 people still believed to be trapped inside the Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Rasuwa, one of the districts worst affected by the disaster.

The rescue effort is being carried out in extremely dangerous conditions, with floods damaging roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure across the region. In a statement, the Nepal Prime Minister’s Office said, "A Nepali Army team has successfully rescued 350 workers and locals who were trapped in the tunnel a while ago, facing extremely risky and challenging conditions amid adverse weather and rapid floodwaters. The army is still working to safely evacuate more than 100 people trapped in the same tunnel.”

Videos released by the PMO showed Nepal Army personnel carrying out difficult helicopter-assisted rescue operations near the tunnel. A subsequent update said the operation had been intensified as teams continued searching for those still trapped. "The search continues to see how many people are still trapped inside the tunnel and their rescue operations are also being attempted," the post read. "Even in the difficult conditions of the tunnel, the military is continuing the search and rescue operations of the remaining people by operating technical equipment and specially trained teams.”

Nepal Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said two helicopters had been deployed, but the scale of destruction was making the operation increasingly difficult. “Our focus is on the search and rescue of people... some people are trapped in the tunnel of Trishuli 3A hydropower project,” Basnet said. “Two helicopters have been dispatched, but it is challenging because it is tough to even locate the entry points of the tunnel. Relief efforts are also underway to provide the rescued people with what they need,” he added.

As rescue teams reached other devastated hydropower sites along the Trishuli valley, survivors spoke about the terrifying force of the floodwaters and the loss of their colleagues. “There were at least 400 workers at the site,” Dev Shrestha said. “More people died than were rescued.” Buddha Tamang said, “I survived as I was in the tunnel,” while Arjun Kumar Tamang recalled, “I don't know how many people died, but the force of the water swept everything away.” With many lives still at risk and people yet to be accounted for, rescue teams continue their efforts against time amid Nepal’s widespread flood devastation.