Two workers have been rescued alive from a tunnel in Nepal, nine days after flash flooding struck the Nepal-Tibet border region in a disaster reportedly linked to the deaths of more than 1,200 people.
The dramatic rescue took place at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project, where emergency crews pulled Sanjaya Shah and Kabir Maharjan from the tunnel after detecting signs of life.
Rescuers reportedly heard voices from inside the tunnel early on Friday, raising hopes that dozens of other workers trapped underground could still be alive.
At least 39 additional workers are expected to be rescued as emergency teams intensify efforts to reach those believed to remain inside the tunnel complex.
Engineers have been pumping fresh air into the underground passages to sustain the trapped workers while rescue teams work to clear access routes and reach them.
The operation comes after devastating flash floods swept through parts of the Nepal-Tibet border area, causing widespread destruction and a major loss of life.
The successful rescue of the two workers has renewed hopes of finding more survivors despite the length of time they have spent underground.
