Rescue breakthroughs buoy teams as tough search continues in Nepal

Rescue operations in Nepal have received a much-needed boost after several people were found alive following days of being trapped underground or beneath debris, even as teams continue a difficult search for hundreds of people still missing after devastating floods and landslides. The disaster has caused widespread destruction across parts of northern Nepal, damaging homes, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities. Rescue workers have faced particularly difficult conditions at hydropower projects, where floodwaters and landslides buried tunnel entrances and left workers trapped underground.

A major breakthrough came when two workers were rescued alive from the Upper Trishuli 3A hydropower project after spending nine days inside a tunnel. The men had been cut off after large amounts of mud, rocks and debris entered the facility. Rescue teams eventually managed to reach them and bring them to safety, providing a rare moment of relief for their families and colleagues.

The successful rescue has encouraged emergency teams to continue searching other underground areas where workers may still be trapped. Rescuers are carefully clearing blocked passages while dealing with unstable structures, standing water and huge quantities of debris. Heavy machinery has been brought in where possible, although damaged roads and bridges have made transporting equipment to remote areas extremely challenging.

Another dramatic rescue further raised hopes that survivors could still be found. A woman was reportedly discovered alive beneath the remains of her home after spending several days trapped under rubble. Rescuers were able to locate her after hearing signs of life and carefully cleared the debris before bringing her out.

The survival of people after more than a week has become an important source of encouragement for rescue teams. Specialists say that people trapped inside tunnels or collapsed structures can sometimes survive for extended periods if they have access to small pockets of air and are protected from extreme conditions.

Despite the recent successes, the scale of the search remains enormous. Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for, including workers believed to have been inside hydropower tunnels when the flooding occurred. Families continue to wait for information as rescue teams examine damaged tunnels, buildings and isolated communities.

International assistance has also supported Nepal's response. Rescue and technical teams from neighbouring countries have contributed personnel, equipment and expertise as authorities attempt to reach areas cut off by the disaster. Helicopters have played a crucial role in transporting rescuers and equipment because several ground routes remain damaged or inaccessible.

The floods have also affected the country's vital hydropower infrastructure, raising concerns about electricity generation and the longer-term economic impact of the disaster. Repairing damaged roads, bridges and power facilities is expected to take considerable time, particularly in mountainous areas where access remains difficult.

The priority remains finding survivors and accounting for those who are still missing. Every successful rescue is giving emergency workers and families a reason to keep searching, even as difficult terrain, unstable tunnels and heavy debris continue to slow the operation. The latest rescues have demonstrated that hope can remain alive even after several days in extremely difficult conditions. As teams continue working through the wreckage, authorities are maintaining search efforts in the belief that more survivors could still be waiting to be found.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.