Search Operations Intensify for Missing Workers Following Devastating Floods in Nepal

Search and rescue operations are continuing in the Rasuwa district of Nepal following catastrophic flash floods that have left over 1,000 people dead and thousands missing. Nepali authorities report a provisional death toll of 1,050 with 3,916 people missing, while Chinese state media reports an additional 16 dead and 546 missing on the Tibetan side. In total, provisional figures indicate 1,066 deaths and 4,562 missing persons.

Rescue efforts are heavily focused on hydropower projects in the Himalayas where hundreds of workers remain trapped underground. South Korean companies Doosan Enerbility and Korea South-East Power Co. (KOEN) have intensified their search for nine missing employees at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project. KOEN has deployed six drones equipped with thermal and infrared cameras, and acting CEO Cho Young-hyuk joined the search via a Nepali military helicopter. Doosan Enerbility has also utilized chartered helicopters and is expanding its on-site team to approximately 20 people.

Simultaneously, Chinese tunnel experts have joined the rescue operations since August 30. In a separate effort at the RHPL Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Limited project, a rescue team including mountaineer Manish Maharjan used thermal drones to inspect a flooded tunnel. Maharjan reported that the machine room was 80 to 90 percent full of mud and water, leading the team to conclude that there was no possibility of finding survivors in that specific location.