Nepal Floods: Death Toll Rises as Rescuers Search Tunnels for Survivors

Rescue Operations Focus on Hydropower Tunnels and Trapped Workers

Nepali rescuers are concentrating search efforts on three hydropower projects where workers remain trapped, according to Dharam Raj Uprety, chief of the country’s disaster authority. The rescue of three workers from deep inside tunnels—two Nepalis on Friday and a Chinese man on Saturday—has sustained hopes among officials that others might still be alive. Nepal’s government stated that more than 100 workers may still be trapped inside tunnels at hydropower projects, with efforts heavily focused on the Trishuli 3A and 3B sites, according to Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha.

Gen. Raja Ram Basnet. On Saturday, rescue teams broke through the mud at Trishuli 3A, began sending air into the tunnel, and deployed a camera to locate survivors, according to Home Minister Sudan Gurung. Specialized tunnel-rescue teams from India and China, alongside Nepal’s expert mountain rescue teams, have joined the search.

Weather Complications and International Humanitarian Response

Poor weather and challenging terrain continue to hamper aerial rescue operations, though helicopters in Nuwakot resumed flights carrying aid such as clothes, instant noodles, crackers, and rice. The Nepali Army reported that its search and rescue helicopters complete roughly 500 trips per day, ferrying survivors out of the disaster zone. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department announced Saturday that it is providing more than $3.6 million in humanitarian aid to Nepal, which includes three months of emergency food assistance for up to 10,000 households.

Authorities issued an alert Sunday morning warning that water flow in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa had increased further, urging caution for all personnel and residents in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Chitwan. With mortuaries overflowing, police report that Nepal has buried hundreds of bodies in mass graves after collecting DNA samples for future identification.

Climate Change Pressures and Economic Impact on Infrastructure

While the exact cause of the glacial collapse remains unclear, climate change is accelerating glacial melt worldwide, increasing the risk of such disasters. Nepal, a largely rural nation of 30 million people that has contributed little to the greenhouse gas emissions driving global warming, stated that reconstruction could cost billions of dollars. David Fisher of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies noted that reaching isolated communities is daunting due to narrow and dangerous access routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current death toll from the Nepal floods?

According to Nepal’s disaster agency, the death toll reached 788, with 2,502 people missing. Chinese authorities reported 16 deaths and 546 missing on the Chinese side of the border.

Who is assisting with the tunnel rescue operations?

Specialized tunnel-rescue teams from India and China, alongside Nepal’s expert mountain rescue teams, are joining the search for the missing.

How is international aid being delivered to isolated areas?

State Department provides millions in humanitarian aid.