Nepal army rescues over 100 trapped in flood‑damaged hydropower tunnel

The Nepali army’s rescue teams deployed drilling equipment on Saturday in an effort to free more than 100 individuals still trapped inside a hydropower tunnel that was inundated by severe flooding three days earlier. The operation follows a series of flash floods that struck the construction site, causing the tunnel to collapse and leaving workers and contractors stranded deep underground.

Rescuers have been working around the clock, using portable drills to create new access points while monitoring water levels and structural stability. Officials said the flood, which affected several districts in central Nepal, damaged critical infrastructure and halted power generation at the plant. The army’s involvement underscores the scale of the emergency response, as authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate medical aid for any survivors.