WhatsApp Engineers Mobilize for Nepal's Flood Rescue Operations
By Editor • September 4, 2026 • 2 min read
KATHMANDU, Sept 4 – In a remarkable display of collaboration, engineers have created a WhatsApp group that is proving crucial in the ongoing rescue operations in Nepal's Trishuli valley, following a catastrophic flash flood that struck on August 26. The messaging platform has become an essential lifeline for rescue teams searching for survivors among the debris of several hydropower plants.
Search Efforts Intensify Amidst Harrowing Conditions
The flood, triggered by a glacier collapse, has left more than 1,200 people dead and over 4,000 missing, with many presumed trapped inside the tunnels of hydropower facilities. Rescuers are focusing their efforts on the remains of six hydropower plants, including the Chilime plant, where hopes linger that some workers may have sought refuge in underground tunnels.
A government official recently sought layout drawings of the Chilime plant in the WhatsApp group, which has expanded to include a network of over 500 engineers and experts. Within moments, a member shared critical information about access tunnels and the plant's powerhouse, showcasing the real-time support that is pivotal in navigating the altered landscape.
Challenges of Navigating the Flood's Aftermath
Rescue operations face significant obstacles, as flood debris has filled tunnels and obscured entrances. At the Rasuwagadhi hydropower plant, workers reached 250 meters into one tunnel before encountering blockages. Despite these challenges, the Nepal Electricity Authority remains hopeful, with reports suggesting that at least 46 individuals could be trapped in areas where they might still have access to food and water.
Amidst these dire conditions, engineers are also reaching out to former plant employees for insights into tunnel layouts, enhancing the search efforts. The Upper Trishuli 3A project has seen rescuers work tirelessly to clear entrances and provide oxygen to potentially trapped individuals.
Personal Stories of Survival and Loss
Survivors share harrowing accounts of their narrow escapes, with some managing to flee just moments before the flood struck. Dhan Bahadur Tamang described navigating through flooded tunnels, witnessing the devastation as he made his way to safety. Family members of missing workers, like Rajesh Shrestha, cling to hope as they await news of their loved ones, illustrating the human toll of this disaster.
Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za
