Why finding missing workers from Nepal’s hydropower tunnels is proving to be difficult

In this photo provided by the Nepal Army, soldiers rescue a worker alive from a tunnel during an ongoing operation at the Trishuli-3A hydropower project in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. (Nepal Army via AP)

This photo provided by the Nepal Army, shows Nepal army soldiers undertake rescue operation at the site of a hydropower project in Upper Trishuli, Nepal, Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. (Nepal Army via AP)

In this image provided by Manish Maharjan, filmmaker and drone pilot Manish Maharjan operates a drone at the entrance to a tunnel at the Rashuwaghadi hydropower project in Rasuwa district, Nepal, Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. (Manish Maharjan via AP)

NEW DELHI (AP) — Rescuers in Nepal have been combing through dark, debris-filled tunnels at hydropower plants, looking for hundreds of missing workers feared trapped in the Aug. 26 floods.

At least 900 workers are missing from a dozen hydropower projects, with about 500 believed to be inside tunnels, according to officials and industry representatives. But access to the tunnels has been hampered by thick mud, debris and damaged infrastructure, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach workers.