Two Workers Rescued from Nepal Hydropower Tunnel Nine Days After Deadly Glacier Collapse

Two workers have been rescued alive from a hydropower tunnel in Nepal, nine days after being trapped by a massive glacier collapse that swept through a valley, killing more than 1,200 people.

The Rescue

The two men were identified as Sanjay Sah, a mechanical foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a mechanical supervisor, according to a statement from the office of Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. They were pulled out on Friday from a tunnel at the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Station.

An aide to the energy minister told Reuters that Maharjan is unable to move his hands and legs, while Sah’s injuries are not considered critical. Both survivors are being transported to a hospital in the capital, Kathmandu, for medical treatment.

Broader Disaster Context

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The rescue comes in the wake of a catastrophic event on August 26, when the collapse of a glacier on the upper reaches of the Trishuli River triggered a massive slide of ice, rock, and mud. The disaster killed more than 1,200 people and displaced tens of thousands.

Officials and rescue workers believe the slide trapped at least 900 people inside the tunnels of six different hydropower projects located along the river. The rescue of Sah and Maharjan marks a rare piece of positive news amid the large-scale recovery effort.

A Family's Relief

Amir Maharjan, the brother of one of the rescued workers, expressed his family's joy upon hearing the news. "I have been hearing from the news that my brother has been found," he said. "The entire family is very happy."