Nepali worker survives 10 days in flooded hydropower tunnel after deadly glacial flood

Trapped by flash flood

On 26 August 2026, a glacial collapse along the China-Nepal border sent a surge of ice, mud, and debris through northern Nepal river valleys, inundating several hydropower dam construction sites. Hundreds of labourers were employed across the projects in the extreme north of the country when floodwaters breached the installations. Among them was 30-year-old labourer Sanjay Sah, who was on shift when waves several metres tall rushed toward the entrance. Although workers received emergency warnings of approaching waters, they had insufficient time to escape. Sah and his coworkers shut down equipment and attempted to help colleagues evacuate, but the tunnel was completely submerged within minutes.

Sah described the arrival of the floodwaters to reporters.

I was on duty, and then suddenly an unthinkable flood hit us, with tsunami-like waves that were several metres tall.

Survival in total darkness

Cut off from the surface, Sah spent ten days trapped in total darkness inside the submerged tunnel. He survived by drinking muddy water and reciting the Hindu Maha Mantra to prevent panic and despair. A few metres away, 45-year-old labourer Kabir Maharjan was also trapped alive behind the debris. The two men were physically separated by rubble but maintained continuous verbal contact by speaking to each other through the dark. Sah explained that his religious faith and regular communication with Maharjan sustained him while awaiting search teams to dig through the mud.

Sah described the mindset that enabled him to endure the underground isolation.

I survived thanks to my deep faith and trust. I recited the Maha Mantra and the divine energy I received allowed me not to be afraid or to despair.

Rescue and homecoming

Disaster response teams extracted Sah from the tunnel on 4 September 2026. Having lost track of time in the dark, his first question upon emerging was to ask how many days had passed since the disaster began. He believed only a few days had elapsed rather than ten. After receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Kathmandu, Sah returned to his family home in Saptari district on 13 September 2026. His family and neighbours welcomed him with flower garlands, cake, and balloons. His mother, Kapur Devi Sah, embraced him in tears and washed his feet in accordance with a traditional welcoming ritual meant to bring auspicious blessings.

His mother spoke of her relief upon seeing him arrive home safely.

My son has returned, I am very happy.

Toll of the Himalayan flood

The disaster was triggered by the collapse of a glacier and a large rock mass near the China-Nepal border, which unleashed water and debris on communities downstream. The catastrophe resulted in at least 1,429 deaths and left more than 5,640 people missing across the region, with the vast majority of casualties in Nepal. Provisional figures from Nepali authorities record 1,386 confirmed fatalities and 5,130 individuals still missing. The Nepali government attributed the collapse to rising global temperatures accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas. Search and recovery operations continue across northern project sites where thousands remain unaccounted for.