What we know
- Online Khabar English reported that the Nepali Army estimates 121 people are trapped inside hydropower project tunnels following floods in Rasuwa on August 26.
- Search and rescue operations inside the affected tunnels will continue until a breakthrough is achieved, according to Online Khabar English.
- Online Khabar English reported that floodwater and debris descended at an estimated speed of around 180 kilometres per hour based on damage assessments.
What this means if you are travelling
- Travellers planning trips through Rasuwa should check local conditions and verify route accessibility directly with their operators.
- Trekkers and visitors in unaffected regions of Nepal can continue their itineraries as normal without disruption.
- Confirm all logistics with your trekking operator before departure if your itinerary involves areas impacted by recent weather events.
The Nepali Army has estimated that 121 people remain trapped inside the tunnels of various hydropower projects following floods that struck Rasuwa on August 26. Online Khabar English reported these details from a press conference organised by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority in Kathmandu on Monday.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
Brigadier General Subash Jung Thapa stated during the briefing that search and rescue missions inside the affected tunnels will proceed until a complete breakthrough is achieved. According to Online Khabar English, the Army possesses evidence indicating that 121 individuals entered the tunnels prior to the incident.
Authorities also suspect that additional workers from the hydropower projects may have been caught outside the tunnels when the disaster occurred. Online Khabar English reported that the force of the floodwater and debris moved at an estimated speed of around 180 kilometres per hour, based on structural assessments of the damage.
What This Means for Travellers
This emergency response is concentrated specifically on hydropower infrastructure in the Rasuwa region affected by the August 26 floods. Major trekking regions and general tourist areas outside of this specific disaster zone operate independently of these industrial sites.
- Verify all regional route conditions directly with your licensed operator before setting out.
- Expect potential disruptions or transport delays if travelling through affected northern districts.
- Travel plans in standard tourism hubs and unaffected trekking routes remain safe to proceed.
Official Guidance and Verification
Travelers currently in Nepal or preparing for an upcoming journey should rely on verified updates from official disaster management authorities and established trekking agencies. Local conditions can vary significantly by district, making direct confirmation essential for remote itineraries.
The Nepali Army has confirmed that personnel will maintain their presence at the Rasuwa site until all tunnels are fully cleared. Anyone with scheduled travel touching northern river corridors should remain in close contact with their guides for the latest route assessments.
Reported by
This update summarises reporting from the outlets below and adds our own planning guidance. Follow the links for the original reports.
Questions travellers are asking
How many people are estimated to be trapped in the tunnels?
Online Khabar English reported that the Nepali Army estimates 121 people are trapped inside the tunnels of various hydropower projects following the August 26 floods.
Will rescue operations continue?
According to Online Khabar English, the Nepali Army stated that search and rescue operations inside the flood-damaged tunnels will continue until a breakthrough is achieved.
Which area was affected by the floods?
The floods occurred in Rasuwa on August 26, impacting multiple hydropower project tunnels and surrounding infrastructure as reported by Online Khabar English.
Should travellers cancel trips to Nepal because of this?
Travellers visiting unaffected regions can proceed with their plans, but anyone with itineraries near Rasuwa should verify route status and access with their operator.