Rescue teams are continuing an unprecedented operation after a major glacial and mountain collapse. The disaster struck the China-Nepal border on August 26.
At least 1,385 people have been killed across the two countries. More than 5,500 people remain missing following the disaster.
Hundreds of hydropower workers are among those still unaccounted for. Rescue operations have now entered their thirteenth day.
International experts have described the rescue mission as extremely challenging. Multiple rescue operations are taking place simultaneously in different locations.
Rescue Operations Continue
Nepal Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said rescue teams remain fully active. He said operations are continuing with the same pace seen on the first day.
Teams are searching for survivors on the ground, from the air and inside tunnels. Authorities are working to ensure no stranded person is left behind.
The rescue mission has received support from several foreign experts. Specialists from China, India and South Korea are assisting Nepali rescue teams.
Richard Dix, president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, is among the experts helping with the operation.
Dix described the situation as something he had never experienced before. He said rescuers were dealing with multiple possible rescue sites.
Each location presents different dangers and uncertain conditions. Rescue teams must assess these risks while searching for possible survivors.
Survivors Raise Hopes
Recent rescues have given families renewed hope. Three workers have been rescued from deep inside tunnels during the operation.
Two Nepali workers were rescued on Friday. A Chinese worker was brought out safely on Saturday.
The successful rescues have encouraged teams to continue searching difficult areas. Officials believe other survivors could still be trapped underground.
The unprecedented nature of the operation has increased the need for international cooperation. Rescue specialists are sharing expertise while working alongside Nepali teams.
Nepal Observes Day of Mourning
Nepal is observing a national day of mourning on Monday. The country is following traditional Hindu rituals during the mourning period.
Despite the national mourning, rescue activities have continued without interruption. Teams remain focused on locating missing people and helping those who may still survive.
Dix previously advised rescuers during India’s Silkyara tunnel rescue in 2023. Forty-one workers were trapped inside the collapsed tunnel for 17 days.
He said that experience taught him an important lesson about rescue operations. He stressed that unlikely outcomes should not automatically be considered impossible.
The unprecedented rescue effort on the China-Nepal border continues as teams search tunnels, mountains and affected areas. Authorities remain focused on saving lives and locating those still missing.
The scale of the disaster remains immense, with thousands still unaccounted for. Rescue teams are continuing their efforts despite difficult conditions and significant risks.
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