An Indian tunnel rescue unit is making swift progress at the flood‑hit Chilime hydropower plant in Nepal's Rasuwa district, working alongside the Nepalese Army to locate missing victims. The effort comes as the August 26 deluge claimed 1,344 lives and left nearly 4,900 people unaccounted for.
- Indian tunnel rescue team has accelerated operations at Chilime hydropower plant
- Joint effort with Nepal Army to locate missing persons
- Floods have caused 1,344 deaths and about 4,900 missing
On August 26, massive monsoon floods swept through Nepal's Rasuwa district, inundating the Chilime hydropower complex. Official reports tally 1,344 fatalities and roughly 4,900 missing, pressing the nation's disaster response machinery to its limits.
Chilime, a 1,200‑MW run‑of‑river plant nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills, suffered extensive damage as swollen rivers breached tunnel entrances, submerged turbine halls, and destabilized the concrete intake structures.
The Indian tunnel rescue team, deployed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), arrived within ten days, bringing twelve highly‑trained divers, cutting‑edge sub‑aquatic robots, and side‑scan sonar units to locate survivors trapped in the underground conduits.
Working hand‑in‑hand with the Nepalese Army, rescuers have faced relentless currents, landslide debris, and residual icy meltwater. Despite these hurdles, the combined forces have rescued 27 individuals and secured 14 critical tunnel sections, opening new pathways for further search‑and‑rescue missions.
Historically, Nepal has endured flood‑triggered landslides in 2013, 2017, and 2021, each leaving scars on its mountainous terrain. The 2026 event, however, broke previous records for water level rise and speed, prompting an unprecedented level of cross‑border assistance.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that such international rescue cooperation not only delivers immediate humanitarian relief but also deepens strategic ties between India and Nepal, especially in water‑resource management and disaster‑risk reduction.
"Rescue operations in a complex tunnel network like Chilime demand specialized cross‑border expertise," says disaster specialist Prof. Anjali Gupta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many people have been rescued so far by the Indian team?
A1: The team has rescued 27 individuals and secured multiple tunnel sections, though many remain missing.
Q2: What steps is the Nepalese government taking for further relief?
A2: The government has appealed for additional international aid, set up temporary shelters, and deployed medical units to the affected districts.
