What we know
- Online Khabar English reported that Sanjay Sah was discharged from Birendra Army Hospital on Friday, September 11, 2026.
- The survivor spent seven days receiving medical treatment in Kathmandu after being rescued from the Trishuli 3A hydropower tunnel.
- The rescue was conducted by a joint team consisting of the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and technical experts.
- A second unnamed individual was also rescued from the tunnel alongside Sanjay Sah and airlifted to the capital.
What this means if you are travelling
- Travellers heading to the Rasuwa district should verify road conditions, as the region recently experienced severe flooding on August 26.
- Trekking routes and transport corridors near the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers may have localized disruptions following the late August disaster.
- Those planning trips near hydropower sites or low-lying river valleys in Rasuwa should consult their trekking operators to ensure routes are safe.
- Kathmandu medical services and emergency helicopter evacuations remain fully functional, as demonstrated by the successful rescue and treatment.
A key survivor of the recent flooding in the Rasuwa region has been discharged from medical care in Kathmandu. According to reporting by Online Khabar English, Sanjay Sah was permitted to leave the Birendra Army Hospital in Chhauni on Friday, September 11, 2026. This release follows a week of medical observation and treatment after his extraction from a hydropower tunnel.
The incident began on August 26, 2026, when severe flooding along the Rasuwa Bhotekoshi river trapped workers inside the Trishuli 3A hydropower project. Emergency rescue teams worked for over a week to reach the site and locate the trapped individuals. The successful rescue operation concluded on the tenth day of their confinement inside the dark tunnel complex.
Details of the Rescue and Recovery
The rescue operation required a highly coordinated effort among various national security and technical agencies. Online Khabar English reported that a joint team comprising the Nepal Army, the Armed Police Force, the Nepal Police, and specialized technical experts managed the dangerous extraction. The teams successfully brought out Sanjay Sah, who serves as a mechanical foreman at the project, along with another trapped individual.
Following their extraction from the Trishuli 3A tunnel, both survivors were immediately airlifted by helicopter to Kathmandu for emergency medical evaluation. Sanjay Sah was admitted to the Birendra Army Hospital, where he spent seven days recovering. Nepal Army spokesperson and Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet confirmed that Sah was discharged on Friday after recovering from his physical injuries.
What This Means for Travellers in the Region
The flooding on August 26 was concentrated around the Rasuwa Bhotekoshi river corridor. This area is highly relevant for travellers because Rasuwa serves as a major gateway for several popular trekking routes, including those leading towards the Langtang Valley. The incident highlights the severe impact that late-season monsoon rain and localized flooding can have on infrastructure in deep river valleys.
While the immediate rescue operations at the Trishuli 3A project have successfully concluded, travellers should remain cautious when planning journeys through these specific areas. It is essential to understand which regions are affected and which remain safe for normal activities.
- The Trishuli 3A project is located in the Rasuwa district, meaning travellers on the main road corridor to the northern border should expect potential monitoring or local delays.
- Major tourist hubs like Pokhara and the Annapurna region are geographically separated from the Rasuwa Bhotekoshi system and remain entirely unaffected by this local flood event.
- Helicopter rescue and medical services in Kathmandu are operating normally and have demonstrated high readiness for emergency responses.
- Travellers should check with their local guides or trekking agencies regarding the stability of footpaths and roads in the Bhotekoshi valley before departing.
Evaluating Safety and Next Steps
For those currently in Kathmandu or planning to head north into the mountains, the successful resolution of this rescue shows that emergency networks are active. However, the physical environment in Rasuwa remains sensitive following the August flood. Landslides and high river flows can persist even after the primary weather system has passed.
We advise all clients to maintain communication with their operators. If your itinerary involves overland travel through Rasuwa, verify that the roads are clear of debris and that local authorities have declared the transit zones safe for passenger vehicles.
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
Where did the flooding occur and who was affected?
The flooding occurred along the Rasuwa Bhotekoshi river on August 26, 2026. It affected the Trishuli 3A hydropower project, trapping a mechanical foreman named Sanjay Sah and another individual inside a tunnel for ten days.
How were the trapped workers rescued?
A joint rescue team consisting of the Nepal Army, the Armed Police Force, the Nepal Police, and technical experts extracted the workers. They were then airlifted to Kathmandu by helicopter for treatment.
What is the current condition of the survivors?
Sanjay Sah was treated at Birendra Army Hospital in Chhauni for seven days. Nepal Army spokesperson Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet confirmed that Sah recovered from his injuries and was discharged on Friday, September 11, 2026.
Should I change my trekking plans in Nepal because of this?
Only travellers heading directly to the Rasuwa Bhotekoshi area need to exercise extra caution and check local road status. Popular western trekking destinations, such as those around Pokhara and Annapurna, are completely unaffected by this specific regional event.