The number of missing people in Nepal has risen after last week’s floods, with authorities reporting more than 4,200 people remain unaccounted for, up from about 2,500 the previous day. Including figures from China, Lakbima News reports the combined death toll at 919 and 4,793 people missing across both sides of the border.
Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs’ National Emergency Operation Centre said the search for workers who may be trapped inside hydropower tunnels is the “highest priority.” The centre reported that more than 900 workers at different projects are missing.
Rescue teams from Nepal, supported by specialists from neighbouring countries, are trying to reach workers believed to be inside hydropower tunnels after mud and debris covered parts of the facilities during the floods. Teams are using heavy equipment where roads still allow access and conducting manual searches where machines cannot reach.
At least 933 workers are missing at various hydropower projects along the Trishuli river, which passes through several districts in the mountainous area, the National Emergency Operation Centre said.
Officials said they do not know how many workers were inside the deep, reinforced tunnels when the water arrived. Search and rescue operations are hampered by ongoing bad weather, thick mud, and damage to roads and bridges that has limited access to project sites.
Nepal, China and India have increased investment in hydropower projects across the Himalayas in recent years to expand energy production from rivers such as the Trishuli. Local authorities and project operators have been coordinating the response and compiling lists of missing staff and contractors.
