Nepal Tunnel Survivor Recounts Ten Days in Darkness

Sanjay Sah emerged from a flooded hydropower tunnel in Nepal on September 4, having endured ten days of total darkness and isolation following a catastrophic glacial collapse. According to France 24, the 30-year-old worker’s survival stands out as a rare instance of life preserved during a disaster that has claimed thousands of lives and left thousands more missing across the region.

The incident, which struck on August 26, was triggered by a mountain collapse on the China-Nepal border, sending tsunami-like waves through construction sites. Sah, along with hundreds of other workers, was trapped as water levels rose rapidly, leaving many stranded in confined spaces with limited resources and no immediate prospect of rescue.

Survival in Isolation

Sah described the disorienting nature of his confinement, noting that he had lost all sense of time during the ordeal. Upon rescue, his primary question was to determine how many days had passed, indicating the profound psychological impact of the isolation. He sustained himself by drinking muddy water, the only available liquid, while relying on religious chanting to maintain his mental stability and hope.

Although separated from the majority of his colleagues, Sah was not entirely alone. He remained in contact with another trapped worker, Kabir Maharjan, whose voice provided a crucial lifeline. Their ability to communicate allowed them to assess their situation and keep each other motivated while waiting for search teams to break through the debris and water barriers.

Community Reaction and Relief

Upon his return to Saptari district, Sah was greeted by family and neighbors who celebrated his survival with traditional gestures of welcome. His mother, Kapur Devi Sah, expressed immense relief and joy, performing a ritual foot-washing ceremony to mark his safe return. The community’s response highlighted the collective trauma and the profound significance of any survival story within the broader context of the disaster.

Sah’s wife, Lakshmi Kumari Sah, stated that the family had maintained hope throughout the rescue efforts. While the family celebrates his return, Sah himself expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging the loss of many colleagues who did not survive. His experience underscores the human cost of the disaster, which has resulted in over 1,400 confirmed deaths and more than 5,600 missing persons.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Rescue operations continue in the affected areas, with authorities working to extract remaining workers from the tunnels. One Chinese worker was rescued on September 5, but no signs of life have been detected from others in the deepest sections. Sah has urged officials to persist in their search efforts, emphasizing the importance of not abandoning those who may still be alive in the submerged infrastructure.

The disaster has raised significant concerns about the impact of climate change on the Himalayan region, with rising temperatures potentially destabilizing glacial structures. As the search continues, the focus remains on both the immediate humanitarian response and the long-term implications for the stability of the region’s natural environment.