Rescuers in Nepal are racing to reach dozens of workers trapped underground after two men were found alive nine days after devastating flash floods.
The discovery at the Trishuli 3A hydropower site has renewed hopes of finding more survivors. Rescuers also recovered the body of a third person from the tunnel.
The floods swept through a Himalayan valley near the border with Tibet on 26 August. This triggered a disaster that destroyed villages and carried away buildings, roads and vehicles.
More than 150 people are feared trapped across seven hydropower tunnels in Nepal. Rescue teams are also searching 19 other areas affected by the floods.
At Trishuli 3A, rescuers heard what appeared to be voices during the early hours of Friday. Local reports said the crews called out to those underground and received a faint response. Sanjaya Shah and Kabir Maharjan were subsequently found inside the tunnel. Both had injuries to their hands and legs, possibly sustained while crawling through the flooded passage.
The two men were airlifted to an Army Hospital in Kathmandu. Maharjan, who was rescued second, is in critical condition, according to Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Office. Shah was undergoing medical tests.
The body recovered later from the same tunnel was swollen and could not immediately be identified. Officials believe another 39 people may still be inside, although it remains unclear how many are alive.
Uttam Bhlon Lama, vice president of the Independent Power Producers of Nepal, said the discovery of the two survivors would motivate rescue teams to continue their efforts. However, he warned that flood levels remain high. Authorities have also cautioned that further rainfall could trigger additional flooding.
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