Trishuli-3A Tunnel Rescue: Nepal Army Saves Trapped Workers
During the 2026 Nepal floods, a massive rescue mission at the Trishuli-3A hydropower tunnel saw Nepal Army Major Milan Kumar Joshi coordinate a multi‑agency effort that saved two trapped workers and recovered a body. The operation highlighted the challenges of underground rescue amid mud and debris…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The 2026 monsoon floods that battered Nepal’s eastern hills also brought a silent crisis to the Trishuli-3A hydropower project in Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts. A sudden collapse of the tunnel’s underground structure left dozens of workers trapped beneath layers of mud, rocks, and debris. In a race against time, Nepal Army Major Milan Kumar Joshi of the Yuddhabhairab Battalion led a coordinated rescue that ultimately saved two lives and recovered a body.
Rapid Mobilisation of Forces
As reports of trapped workers reached the army’s higher headquarters, Major Joshi immediately assembled a multidisciplinary team. The squad included Nepal Army soldiers, members of the Armed Police Force, engineers from the Nepal Electricity Authority, and technical specialists who could assess tunnel stability. The first priority was to clear the blocked access points and establish a safe route into the collapsed structure.
Floodwaters had carried enormous amounts of mud and rocks into the tunnel, creating a maze of obstructions. The rescue team had to move through narrow shafts while constantly monitoring the structural integrity of the tunnel walls. Every decision was weighed against the risk to both the trapped workers and the rescuers themselves.
Inside the Tunnel: A Dangerous Environment
Once a clear path was identified, the team entered the tunnel with caution. The underground environment was unstable; sudden shifts could trigger further collapse. The rescuers used portable lighting, breathing apparatus, and communication gear to navigate the darkness. They also carried medical kits in case a worker needed immediate attention.
Major Joshi emphasized that the operation required meticulous coordination. “We could not simply enter; we had to proceed step by step, ensuring that each move was based on real‑time information,” he said. The team’s communication system allowed them to relay updates back to the command center, where decisions were made in real time.
Outcome and Ongoing Challenges
After hours of painstaking work, the rescuers located two workers who were still alive and brought them to safety. They also recovered the body of a third worker, confirming that at least one life was lost. Estimates suggest that 32 to 35 workers were trapped underground; some managed to escape on their own, while others remain missing.
Major Joshi called for continued search efforts, noting that the tunnel’s conditions could change rapidly. He also urged the Nepalese diaspora, particularly in the UAE, to channel aid through verified channels to support families affected by the floods.
International Support and Local Gratitude
The rescue operation received significant assistance from the UAE. Dubai Police Search and Rescue Team, Emirates Red Crescent, and other UAE relief groups deployed drones to locate missing persons and delivered humanitarian aid via four aircraft carrying 186 tonnes of supplies. Major Joshi thanked UAE leadership for their swift response, describing it as “true humanity.”
The collaboration between Nepal’s military, police, and international partners highlighted the importance of preparedness, teamwork, and global cooperation in disaster response.
Why This Matters
The Trishuli-3A rescue underscores the critical role of coordinated emergency response in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. It also demonstrates how international aid can complement local efforts to save lives and provide relief.
For Nepalis living abroad, the incident serves as a reminder that organized, verified support can make a tangible difference for families left behind.
Key facts
- Major Milan Kumar Joshi led a multi‑agency rescue at Trishuli-3A.
- Two workers were rescued alive, one body recovered.
- The tunnel collapse was caused by flood‑induced mud and debris.
- UAE teams provided drones and 186 tonnes of aid.
- Ongoing searches continue for missing workers.
- International cooperation is vital for effective disaster response.
Why it matters
The rescue showcases how coordinated military, police, and international efforts can overcome severe natural disaster challenges, saving lives and reinforcing Nepal’s disaster‑response capabilities.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the tunnel collapse?
Heavy monsoon rains and flooding carried mud and debris into the tunnel, leading to structural failure.
How many workers were trapped?
Estimates range from 32 to 35, with 2 rescued alive and 1 recovered deceased.
What international aid was received?
UAE teams provided drones, 186 tonnes of supplies, and humanitarian assistance.
Where can Nepalis abroad donate?
Donations should be directed through verified government agencies or reputable humanitarian organizations.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Inside the Trishuli-3A tunnel rescue: How Nepal Army saved trapped workers after Nepal floods”
