Glacier collapse triggers floods trapping hundreds in Nepal hydropower tunnels

A glacier collapsed in Nepal's Himalayan region on 26 August 2026, causing massive floods that trapped hundreds of workers underground. More than 900 people were believed to be stuck in tunnels at around six hydropower projects. By Sunday night, authorities reported 788 deaths and 2,500 people missing. Rescue teams from Nepal, India, and China worked to reach blocked tunnels. At one project, rescuers drilled through cable tunnels to get inside. At least 350 trapped workers were brought out safely. China also reported 16 deaths and 546 missing people in a nearby border area. The Red Cross said more than 90,000 people were affected in total. Nepal asked other countries for help with tunnel rescue and forensic support.