Kabir Maharjan, a Nepali hydropower worker who was rescued after being trapped for 10 days in a tunnel by catastrophic floods, has expressed his determination to contribute to Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction efforts despite the trauma he endured. Maharjan, 45, returned to his home last Friday following weeks of hospitalization in Kathmandu, where he recovered from injuries sustained during the incident.
The floods, triggered on August 26 by a glacial collapse near Nepal’s border with China, have resulted in over 1,400 deaths, primarily in Nepal, with more than 5,000 people still reported missing. The disaster swept away infrastructure including roads, bridges, and settlements across the mountainous northern regions, severely affecting several hydropower projects—key components of Nepal’s energy sector and economic development.
Maharjan was among hundreds of workers employed at hydropower sites in the Rasuwa district, one of the areas hardest hit by the floods. He and a fellow worker, Sanjay Sah, were airlifted to safety on September 4 after being trapped underground, their rescue providing a rare moment of hope amid the widespread devastation. During his ordeal, Maharjan survived by moving to an upper floor of the tunnel and drinking water as he awaited rescue, recalling that he regained hope after hearing voices and seeing light days later.
Despite his injuries, including wounds to his hand and leg, Maharjan said he hopes to return to his profession, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. “There is risk in everything, but still we have to win over it,” he said. He framed his recovery and the broader rebuilding efforts as a duty to his family, community, and country.
Nepal’s energy minister recently informed parliament that over 800 employees linked to hydropower projects remain unaccounted for, with 47 bodies recovered from the damaged sites. Rescue teams continue their search amid ongoing challenges. The government estimates that total reconstruction costs could reach $4.8 billion, as thousands of residents have been displaced and critical infrastructure damaged.
The disaster has also sparked renewed examination of Nepal’s infrastructure planning and construction in its mountainous environment, raising questions about resilience in the face of natural hazards. Humanitarian organizations warn that while floodwaters have receded, the crisis persists. David Fisher, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delegation in Nepal, stressed the urgency of recovery efforts to maintain public health and prevent a deeper slide into poverty for affected communities.
As Nepal shifts from emergency response to rebuilding, individuals like Maharjan symbolize both the challenges and the resilience underlying the nation’s path forward.