Following the catastrophic disaster in Nepal, the Indian rescue contingent has significantly accelerated efforts to extract individuals trapped inside tunnels and infrastructure sites. Despite severe weather conditions and arduous geographical terrain, expert teams have maintained relentless operations in coordination with the Nepalese military. According to officials, initial breakthroughs have been achieved in rescue endeavors across both the Chilime and Langtang areas in the Rasuwa district.
Initial Breakthroughs Achieved by Rescue Personnel
In Chilime, navigating through highly challenging circumstances, the rescue crew successfully established a pathway to the tunnel, providing vital momentum for subsequent extraction tasks. Meanwhile, in Langtang, the Indian team and local security forces jointly managed to reach a depth of 185 meters. Authorities confirmed that relief and rescue operations at both locations will continue into Tuesday.
Indian Ambassador Visits Military Operations Base
Amidst these efforts, the Indian Ambassador to Nepal inspected the Nepalese Army base located in Bidur within the Nuwakot district, which serves as the primary operational hub for ongoing missions in Rasuwa. During the visit, the ambassador interacted with Indian technical teams to review daily progress reports concerning the Chilime and Langtang tunnels.
The ambassador also held discussions with Nepal's Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Energy and Water Resources, focusing on bilateral coordination for the ongoing rescue missions. Collaborative efforts between the two neighboring nations continue to drive the relief operations forward.
Death Toll Reaches 939 With Thousands Missing
The catastrophic flooding across Nepal has driven the death toll to 939, while approximately 4,000 individuals remain unaccounted for. Officials reported that over 10,000 people have been successfully evacuated so far. However, teams continue to face immense difficulties reaching stranded populations due to persistent rainfall, raging rivers, and damaged roads and bridges.
Workers Trapped Inside Hydropower Project Tunnels
The disaster was triggered on August 26 when a massive avalanche of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border devastated towns and villages across northern and central Nepal. Roaring down from the Himalayan frontier, the Bhote Koshi river swept away homes, vehicles, roads, and bridges, causing extensive damage to multiple hydropower installations. Rescue squads are actively trying to trace 639 workers and employees across various hydroelectric project sites, many of whom are feared trapped inside underground tunnels.
Hundreds of Foreign Nationals Remain Unaccounted For
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nepal announced that over 323 foreign nationals have been safely evacuated from disaster-hit zones. Current data indicates that approximately 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries remain missing. The ministry maintains active communication with neighboring nations and international bodies, having established a dedicated emergency control room to coordinate with relevant agencies and distressed families.
