Nepal Tunnel Search Pushes Through Mud And Debris In Desperate Search For Missing Workers

Search teams are pushing through a mud-filled tunnel at the Chilime Hydropower Project after a flash flood blocked the passage with mud and debris.

The footage shows a tight, wet rock tunnel as a flashlight beam moves across mud, silt, standing water, rough walls and piles of rubble. A white pipe or cable runs along the roof as the camera moves deeper inside.

The flash flood on August 26 blocked the approximately 250-meter tunnel. Joint Nepal Army and Indian Army teams, with foreign technicians at times, have been clearing inward by hand using pipes and pumps, with blasting later used as part of the effort.

Reports in early September placed progress at around 100 to 150 meters into the tunnel. The project said about six staff members may have been inside, while NDRRMA treated Chilime as a priority because of an on-site canteen and accommodation.

Terrain and weather have slowed the use of heavy equipment. The footage shows interior search and clearing work, but no people, survivors or blasting are visible.