Another worker rescued from tunnel, woman found in rubble 11 days after Nepal floods

The two rescues offered a rare glimmer of hope as authorities continued large-scale search operations across flood-ravaged areas of the Himalayan country.

In Short

• Three workers now rescued alive from Trishuli hydropower projects
• Around 900 workers remain missing across 12 hydropower projects
• Rescue teams continue searches amid Nepal's devastating flood aftermath

Amid the disheartening developments following the devastating flash floods in Nepal, stories of hope have been making their way to the fore as rescue operations continue on war footing. To add to the list, a Chinese national was miraculously rescued alive from a hydropower tunnel in Nepal on Saturday, 11 days after the disaster struck the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project.

Also, a 60-year-old woman was pulled alive from the debris of her home in Nuwakot after being trapped for 11 days.

The two rescues offered a rare glimmer of hope as authorities continued large-scale search operations across flood-ravaged areas of the Himalayan country.

The Chinese worker, identified as Luhaitao, was found inside Audit Tunnel 4 of the 216-MW Upper Trishuli-1 project in Nuwakot district.

A joint team involving the Nepali Army and foreign rescuers brought him out at around 1.30 pm after locating him approximately 225 metres inside the tunnel.

He was subsequently evacuated by helicopter, with medical personnel assessing his condition.

"A joint rescue team comprising the Nepali Army and foreign rescuers has rescued a Chinese national, Luhaitao, alive from inside a tunnel at the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project," news agency PTI quoted Nepal Army official as saying.

The statement added, "Luhaitao was rescued from a point approximately 225 meters inside the tunnel. His health is currently being assessed, while search and rescue operations are continuing".

Luhaitao's rescue came a day after two Nepali workers were found alive at the Trishuli 3A hydropower plant.

The survivors were identified as 45-year-old mechanical supervisor Kabir Maharjan and 30-year-old foreman Sanjay Sah.

Their rescue, followed by that of Luhaitao, has taken the number of workers recovered alive from the Trishuli hydropower projects to three.

60-YEAR-OLD WOMAN SAVED FROM HOUSE

In another dramatic rescue in Nuwakot, 60-year-old Chandika Shrestha was found alive after spending 11 days trapped beneath debris at her four-storey home in Betrawati.

Shrestha was reportedly found unconscious on the upper floor of the building in Bidur Municipality-10.

A nine-member Armed Police Force team rescued her before she was flown by helicopter to the Nepali Army's Maithili Barracks in Trishuli for initial medical treatment. She may be taken to Kathmandu for further care if required.

THE AUGUST 26 FLASH FLOODS

The floods were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, sending torrents of water through the Bhotekoshi River and downstream areas. Homes, roads, bridges, vehicles and hydropower infrastructure were swept away or severely damaged. More than 1,300 people have been killed, while thousands remain missing.

Authorities have particularly focused rescue efforts on 12 hydropower projects, where around 900 workers are reported missing and nearly 500 are believed to be trapped inside tunnels.

Specialised teams from Nepal and several other countries, including India, China, South Korea and the US, are assisting with the search.

The latest rescues have renewed hopes of finding more survivors despite the scale of destruction.

Search teams are expected to continue clearing debris and examining damaged tunnels and structures in the coming days, as authorities work to locate those still missing and assess the full extent of the disaster.

- Ends
With PTI inputs