How two men survived nine days in a Nepal flood tunnel
Two men were rescued after being trapped for nine days in a tunnel following a catastrophic flood and mudslide in Nepal. The disaster, which occurred at the Trishuli-3A Hydropower Project, has resulted in over 1,300 deaths and ongoing search efforts for missing workers.
Why it matters
The survival story provides a rare glimmer of hope amidst a major humanitarian disaster caused by climate-related geological instability.
Sanjay Sah is carried by members of a search and rescue team after being one of two people rescued alive from a tunnel at the Trishuli-3A Hydropower Project, where two people had been trapped following devastating floods and mudslides that struck the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa, Nepal, Sep 4, 2026. (Photo: Nepal Army/Handout via REUTERS)
NUWAKOT, Nepal: A delirious Kabir Maharjan drifted in and out of consciousness in a pool of muddy water in complete darkness, trapped for nine days in a tunnel beneath the wreckage of Nepal's worst flood disaster in decades .
When he finally awoke at a hospital after a miracle rescue, he did not recognise his wife. Confused, he asked her why she had not given him a bed sooner.
Also covering this story
10 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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