**Nepal Rescuers Face Challenges in Flood-Hit Tunnels, PM Reports**
In a recent address to parliament, Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah highlighted the severe challenges faced by rescue teams attempting to reach over 600 workers trapped in hydropower tunnels in the flood-affected northern region of the country. The ongoing rescue efforts have been complicated by significant mud and water accumulation in the tunnels, particularly in the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli corridor, following devastating floods that struck the area last week.
The Prime Minister reported that the floodwaters had inundated the tunnels with large quantities of mud and soil, creating a hazardous environment for rescue operations. The situation is dire, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) confirming a rising death toll of 1,114, while nearly 4,000 individuals remain unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continue eight days after the floods began. To date, approximately 12,000 people have been rescued from affected areas.
As families mourn their missing loved ones, many are resorting to symbolic funerals, reflecting the dimming hopes of recovering the remains of those lost. In response to the overwhelming number of deceased, authorities have initiated mass burials for unidentified flood victims, as morgue facilities across the country reach capacity. The total morgue capacity in Nepal stands at only 350, prompting the need for urgent measures to manage the situation. Bodies are being buried with identification markers, and DNA samples are being collected to aid in future identification efforts.
Prime Minister Shah emphasized the necessity for improved weather conditions and drier mud to create stable working conditions for rescue personnel and equipment. He noted that the confined spaces within the tunnels limit the deployment of heavy machinery required to clear the debris effectively.
The Prime Minister's remarks come amid growing concerns from families of those believed to be trapped regarding the delays in the rescue operations. At the Upper Trishuli-3A project, it is reported that 42 individuals are believed to be trapped within an underground powerhouse. Additionally, over 557 workers are missing from the Upper Trishuli-1 project. Criticism has arisen regarding the government's initial response, as technical teams from hydropower developers were only recently integrated into the rescue efforts. Giriraj Adhikari, Managing Director of Upper Trishuli-1, expressed that the developer's technical team should have been involved from the beginning, rather than joining the operation only on Monday. Similarly, at the Langtang Khola project, promoter Vijay Mohan Bhattarai noted that only one company representative was permitted at the site until recently.
In light of the extensive damage caused by the floods, Nepal has sought financial assistance from the UN-backed Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal emphasized that such aid should be viewed as a "moral liability" rather than charity, asserting that Nepal is bearing the brunt of a global crisis for which it bears no responsibility. He pointed to major industrial emitters, including China, the United States, and India, as having a historical obligation to support vulnerable nations like Nepal in the wake of climate-related disasters.
As rescue operations continue, the government and local authorities remain focused on addressing the immediate needs of affected communities while also planning for long-term recovery and support. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments of the damage and the needs of the population as the country grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic flooding event.