VOI World/ Desk
India has deployed specialised tunnel rescue and forensic teams to Nepal as the country continues search and rescue operations following devastating flash floods that struck its Himalayan border region.
The disaster, triggered by a glacier collapse on August 26, sent massive volumes of ice, rock, mud and debris through towns and valleys, severely affecting hydropower projects in the districts of Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Hundreds of workers were reported missing or trapped inside tunnels at several hydropower sites.
Indian tunnel rescue teams are working alongside the Nepali Army at the Chilime and Langtang hydropower sites, where rescuers have been trying to clear debris and gain access to blocked underground sections. At Chilime, Indian teams have reportedly gained access to a tunnel, while at Langtang, rescue personnel have probed deep into the affected tunnel system.
India has also sent a 19-member specialised forensic team to Kathmandu to assist in the identification of victims through DNA analysis. The team is working as Nepal faces the difficult task of identifying bodies recovered from the disaster.
The rescue operation has brought together teams from Nepal, India and several other countries, including China. Rescuers have been using heavy machinery, controlled blasting and other specialised methods to clear mud and debris from hydropower tunnels, where authorities continue to search for possible survivors.
The scale of destruction has made rescue operations particularly challenging. Floodwaters and debris damaged roads, infrastructure and hydropower facilities, while difficult Himalayan terrain has limited access to some of the worst-hit areas.
Nepal’s leadership has acknowledged the assistance received from neighbouring countries, with Prime Minister Balendra Shah thanking India and China for their timely support during the disaster.
India’s role in the operation has included both specialised rescue support and humanitarian assistance. Indian authorities have also helped evacuate Indian nationals affected by the floods, while rescue and relief operations continue in coordination with Nepalese authorities.
As hopes of finding survivors diminish with each passing day, the focus remains on reaching workers believed to be trapped inside damaged hydropower tunnels. The disaster has also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and specialised disaster-response capabilities in one of the Himalayan region’s most difficult rescue operations.
