In a dramatic turn of events, rescue workers in Nepal have successfully freed two people who had been trapped inside a hydroelectric tunnel for nine days following a catastrophic collapse. Both survivors were pulled out alive, defying the odds after such a prolonged period underground without outside help.
According to reports, one of the survivors managed to stay mentally strong throughout the ordeal by reciting mantras—short prayers or chants commonly used in Hindu and Buddhist traditions for focus and spiritual comfort. This practice is deeply woven into daily life in Nepal, a country where these religious traditions play a central role in culture and personal resilience.
The incident occurred at a hydroelectric project, a type of infrastructure common in Nepal’s mountainous terrain, where rivers are harnessed to generate electricity. Tunnels like this one are essential to channeling water to power stations, but they can also pose serious risks to workers when structural failures occur.
Details about the cause of the original collapse and the condition of the rescued individuals were not fully specified in available reports. The successful rescue after such an extended time trapped underground has been described as remarkable by those following the operation.
For the full story and more details on the rescue operation, read the original report at jornada.com.mx.
Source: Rescatan con vida a 2 personas de túnel en Nepal, a 9 días de la catástrofe; sobreviviente estuvo recitando mantras (jornada.com.mx). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: MTAPhotos, BY 2.0 (via Openverse).