Rescue teams in Nepal have made significant progress in their efforts to reach six workers believed to be trapped inside a tunnel at the Chilime hydropower project following the devastating flash floods that struck the country. Indian and Nepali rescue personnel are working jointly, using heavy machinery including an excavator, loader and Bobcat to remove thick layers of mud and debris. According to Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, rescue teams have cleared an additional 70 metres inside the tunnel and are steadily advancing toward the underground powerhouse where the workers are thought to be trapped.

Authorities said the powerhouse is located about 60 metres beyond the section already cleared, raising hopes that rescuers may reach the site soon. The Border Roads Organisation has prepared the access road to the rescue location, while the Nepal Army has constructed more than one kilometre of road from Syafrubesi to facilitate the movement of rescue equipment. More than 100 Nepal Army personnel have also been deployed at the Upper Trishuli-3B hydropower project, another flood-hit location where search and rescue operations are continuing around the clock.

The catastrophic flash floods were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, causing widespread destruction across northern and central Nepal. Thousands of homes, roads, bridges and hydropower projects were damaged as floodwaters surged through the Bhotekoshi River. Nearly 1,400 people have lost their lives, while more than 5,000 remain missing. Officials believe around 100 people could still be trapped inside multiple hydropower tunnels across the affected region. Although rescuers have reportedly located an air pocket near the Chilime tunnel, authorities have not yet confirmed any contact with the six trapped workers or their condition.