Four Bodies Recovered From Nepal Hydropower Tunnel After Flood
After a devastating flash flood on August 26, rescuers in Nepal recovered four bodies from the Chilime Hydropower tunnel and a body part, bringing the total recovered to 1,403. Families of the 6,150 missing are pressing the government for closure, while the search continues amid mud, debris and dam…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Three weeks after a catastrophic flash flood on August 26 that swept across the Trishuli River valley, rescuers in Nepal have recovered four bodies and a body part from the tunnel of the Chilime Hydropower plant. The discovery, announced by the Nepal Army on a Wednesday, is the latest in a series of recoveries that have now reached 1,403 victims, while 6,150 people remain missing.
What Happened in the Flood‑Affected Region
The flood was triggered by a sudden burst of water from the Trishuli River, which had been swollen by heavy monsoon rains. The torrent struck the Chilime Hydropower plant, one of 13 facilities damaged in the deluge, and sent a wall of water and debris into the surrounding villages. Workers at the plant, many of whom were on site for maintenance or construction, were swept away or trapped in the tunnels. The flood also devastated nearby towns, leaving hundreds dead and thousands more displaced.
Recovery Efforts and Current Status
Rescue teams, including the Nepal Army and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, have been working day and night to sift through mud, debris, and collapsed infrastructure. In addition to the four bodies recovered from the Chilime tunnel, the army also announced that a body part had been found. The disaster agency reported that five more bodies were located at a different site, and equipment is being dispatched to retrieve them.
So far, the total number of bodies recovered since the flood has climbed to 1,403. Despite these efforts, a staggering 6,150 people are still listed as missing. Rescue operations face significant challenges: thick mud, collapsed bridges, and damaged roads have hampered access to the most dangerous areas. The government has prioritized locating workers trapped in the tunnels, but progress has been slow.
Families Demand Answers and Closure
Relatives of the missing have taken to the streets and to the halls of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu in a bid for information. The hospital’s lobby is covered with photographs of hundreds of missing individuals, and families gather there to seek updates. Many are calling on the government to declare the missing dead, a step that would allow them to obtain death certificates, initiate legal proceedings, and perform religious rites. For many, this is the only way to move forward emotionally and legally.
Usha Khatri, whose husband Indra Bahadur worked as a cook for a group of pilgrims when the flood hit the Nepal‑China border, has been searching for him across towns along the river. “The government has not done much for us. They have not met us or given any information or any assurances. I am by myself searching for my husband,” she said. Her story echoes that of countless other families who feel abandoned by authorities.
Rescue Highlights and Future Outlook
On September 4, rescuers found two Nepali workers alive, a day after the flood. The following day, a Chinese worker was pulled out alive from a separate area. These rescues have offered a glimmer of hope, but the scale of the disaster means that many more lives remain at risk.
The government estimates the cost of rebuilding the damaged infrastructure and restoring power at around $4.78 billion. In addition to physical reconstruction, authorities face the daunting task of providing psychological support and legal assistance to the affected families.
As the search continues, the Nepal Army and disaster agencies remain committed to finding the missing. However, families and civil society groups are demanding a faster, more transparent process. The next steps will likely involve increased funding for rescue equipment, clearer communication from the government, and a formal process for declaring missing persons dead.
What Happens Next?
The government has pledged to accelerate the search and recovery operations, but the logistical hurdles remain. The authorities will need to clear debris, repair roads, and deploy specialized equipment to reach the most inaccessible tunnels. Meanwhile, families will continue to push for official recognition of the missing as deceased, a move that would bring legal and emotional closure.
In the coming weeks, the focus will be on completing the remaining recoveries, documenting the findings, and ensuring that the families receive the support they need. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as new bodies are found or as rescue teams make progress in the most dangerous areas.
Key facts
- Four bodies recovered from Chilime Hydropower tunnel
- Total recoveries now 1,403; 6,150 still missing
- Families demand death certificates for closure
- Rescue teams found two Nepali and one Chinese worker alive
- Government estimates reconstruction cost at $4.78 billion
Why it matters
The flood’s impact on thousands of lives and the ongoing search for missing workers highlights the urgent need for effective disaster response and transparent communication from authorities. Families’ calls for closure underscore the human cost of the tragedy.
Frequently asked questions
How many people are still missing after the flood?
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 6,150 people remain missing.
What steps are families taking to get closure?
Families are holding rallies, demanding the government declare missing persons dead, and seeking death certificates to proceed with legal and religious rites.
What is the estimated cost of rebuilding?
The government estimates the reconstruction costs at approximately $4.78 billion.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Rescuers dig 4 bodies from a Nepal hydropower tunnel as families demand answers”
