Nepal flood survivors pulled from tunnels as death toll exceeds 1,300

More than a week after a catastrophic glacial collapse triggered flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, rescuers have pulled more survivors from the wreckage, even as the death toll continues to climb. The disaster, which struck on the morning of 27 August, was caused by a massive chunk of ice and rock breaking away from a glacier near Langtang Lirung peak. The resulting avalanche sent a wall of water, mud and debris tearing down the Trishuli River valley, destroying entire villages, sweeping away bridges and burying communities under metres of sediment.

By the latest count, more than 1,300 people have been confirmed dead in Nepal and Tibet, with over 5,000 still unaccounted for. Among the missing are hundreds of workers who were employed at a series of hydropower projects along the river. Many are believed to have been trapped inside underground tunnels when the flood hit. In a remarkable development, two workers were pulled alive from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A plant nine days after the disaster, having survived on biscuits and water. A day later, a Chinese worker and a woman were also rescued from separate locations.

The rescue operation has been hampered by the difficult terrain, destroyed roads and the constant threat of further flooding from newly formed barrier lakes. International teams from India, China, South Korea and the UK have joined Nepalese forces in the search. The UK has pledged £5 million in aid and sent a rapid response team to support British nationals, dozens of whom remain missing.

Nepal's government has appealed for international assistance, describing the disaster as one of the worst in the country's recent history. Officials have also pointed to climate change as a key factor, noting that Nepal, despite contributing little to global emissions, is bearing the brunt of extreme weather events. The United Nations has said its response is now shifting from rescue to relief and recovery, with a humanitarian appeal expected to be launched.

As the search continues, families across Nepal and around the world wait for news. The rescue of the two tunnel workers has given a glimmer of hope, but with thousands still missing and the threat of more flooding, the full scale of the tragedy is only beginning to emerge.