Rafts Navigate Flooded Nepal Tunnel During Intense Search And Rescue Operation

Rasuwa–Nuwakot hydropower corridor, Nepal – Footage shows a red inflatable raft carrying several people in orange life vests and yellow or white helmets moving through a large, arched rock-cut tunnel filled with standing water. A second blue inflatable raft is ahead, heading toward daylight.

The Nepali Army said six people had been rescued by air from various affected areas by 11:00 on September 3, 2026.

Inside the Langtang hydropower tunnel, a 25-person joint search-and-rescue team, including foreign personnel, had entered about 150 metres. Small holes were being made at two locations to continue the search.

At Chilime hydropower, a joint team including foreign personnel was also carrying out search-and-rescue operations.

At Trishuli-3A, a 93-person joint rescue team used five excavators through the night to remove mud and soil blocking the tunnel outlet. At around 2 a.m., blasting was being used to enlarge and clear the outlet opening.

At Trishuli-3B, an 89-member Nepali Army team, three civilians and the project managing director were working together. After identifying the project office and residences, they were using an excavator and Bobcat to build a route and remove soil to reach the area.

The operations followed the August 26 ice-and-rock collapse near Langtang Lirung, which sent floodwater and debris through the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli system and into hydropower tunnels.