Rescue Teams Intensify Search for Missing Tunnel Workers in Nepal's Rasuwa District

Al Jazeera’s correspondent Jessica Washington gained rare entry to the rescue site in Rasuwa, a remote district north of Kathmandu, where teams are working around the clock to locate tunnel workers missing after a collapse. The crews are employing a combination of manual digging and controlled blasting to clear debris, a process that can take hours for each meter cleared, according to Al Jazeera.

The tunnel, part of a broader effort to improve the Kathmandu‑China highway link, was intended to cut travel time between Nepal’s capital and the border town of Rasuwagadhi. Construction began in 2022, but the mountainous terrain and frequent landslides have made progress difficult. The recent accident, which left dozens of laborers unaccounted for, has revived concerns about safety standards on such high‑risk projects.

Rescue operations in the Himalayas face unique challenges: steep slopes, unpredictable weather, and limited access routes. Historically, Nepal has struggled with similar incidents, most notably the 2023 avalanche that buried a road crew in the same region, prompting a review of emergency response protocols. The current effort involves not only local fire and police units but also specialists from the Nepalese Army’s engineering corps, who bring expertise in tunnel stabilization and rapid excavation.

Families of the missing workers have gathered at a makeshift camp near the site, awaiting updates. Local authorities have promised financial assistance and counseling, while the government has pledged a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. The incident underscores the broader debate over rapid infrastructure development versus worker safety in developing nations.

Al Jazeera’s exclusive footage captures the painstaking work of rescuers as they set charges, monitor vibrations, and carefully remove rubble to avoid further destabilizing the tunnel. The visual record offers a stark reminder of the human cost behind ambitious construction projects and the resilience of those tasked with bringing the missing home.