Inside the Nepal Tunnel Rescue Operation

[Nepal Rescuers Locate Survivors in Collapsed Hydropower Tunnels Following Major Mountain Flood Disaster][

When Australian geologist and engineer Arnold Dix was approached by Nepal authorities to assist in locating individuals trapped within hydropower project tunnels after a catastrophic flood last week, he recognized significant obstacles must first be overcome.

Initial priority required identifying the affected sites and entry points, as severe flooding had largely removed structures and evidence from the disaster zone, according to Mr. Dix.

“Finding our starting point took the better part of a day or two; we spent considerable time determining the former locations of power plants and developing strategies to rescue anyone who may have survived,” he explained.

Hundreds of workers remained missing in the tunnels since last Wednesday, when a glacial collapse unleashed tsunami‑like waves of water laden with rock and debris through two river valleys, resulting in over 1,300 fatalities and more than 4,000 persons displaced across Nepal and neighboring China.

Nepal possesses a robust hydroelectric sector, leveraging rapid mountain streams to generate consistent electricity. These endeavors demand both labor and engineering expertise to construct extensive tunnel networks deep within the earth, many of which double the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli Rivers—both heavily impacted during the flooding.

Mr. Dix and his team concentrated their efforts on the Trishuli 3A hydropower installation.

Utilizing engineering blueprints of the subterranean infrastructure alongside satellite imagery and archival maps, Ms./Ms. Dix identified potential “Goldilocks zones”—small, stable underground spaces likely capable of sustaining a human being.

This intelligence guided rescuers toward priority excavation points, much of which involved the cable tunnel connecting the underground power station to the transmission grid.

Having returned from Australia to support the mission, Mr. Dix previously advised on global underground rescue operations, notably a Himalayan tunnel collapse three years earlier involving thirty‑one trapped workers.

The current effort proved arduous and slow; teams excavated through heavy mud and employed explosives to break through rock masses no smaller than vehicles before navigating water-filled passages that had to be dewatered.

“We dug an extensive drainage channel back to the river—the new routing where the primary stream has shifted after the flood—concerned we might drown either ourselves or those ahead of us in the tunnel,” stated Mr. Dix.

After digging a narrow gap along the top of the cable tunnel, rescuers established communication channels, allowing calls to travel back to any stranded individuals.

Significant progress occurred on Friday when teams detected faint acoustic signals indicating local acknowledgment of their presence.

Subsequently, at least two workers were extracted alive. The pair—the sole survivors reported—were Sanjay Sah, a mechanical foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a mechanical supervisor, both employees of the Nepal Electricity Authority per documentation released by The New York Times.

Initial estimates suggested more than forty persons may have been present in the tunnel when the rupture began, according to officials briefed on the operations, inclusion among whom was a senior military officer representing Nepal’s armed forces.

Rescuers also intercepted additional whispers and noises echoing within the confined space, generating optimism that further rescues might succeed. The true count of remaining victims remains unverified.

Upon discovering life inside, Mr. Dix revealed tears of relief as he confirmed positive findings.

Both survivors continue to face profound psychological challenges; they were isolated from external contact for over a week and now confront overwhelming grief following the loss of numerous colleagues.

“The tragedy also means surviving workers will learn that entire crews—such as friends and coworkers—perished in the catastrophe,” noted Mr. Dix.

Continuing his mission upon arrival in Kathmandu Friday evening, Ms./Mr. Dix intends to integrate lessons gained into future rescue strategy development for other power infrastructure worldwide.

Regarding the broader impact, Anupreeta Das contributed reporting on this event.

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