Hundreds of laborers remain stranded deep within a maze of tunnels that snake alongside Nepal’s Trishuli River, where a sudden collapse has sealed off access and left rescue teams scrambling. The precarious situation stems from a combination of illegal mining operations and poorly maintained infrastructure, raising concerns about safety regulations and the exploitation of migrant workers. Authorities have deployed specialized equipment and divers to pump water and clear debris, but progress is slow amid rising fears of further cave‑ins and the looming monsoon season. Families and human‑rights groups are pressing the government for urgent action and transparent accountability as the clock ticks for those still trapped underground.


There are still hundreds of workers trapped in a network of tunnels that run along the Trishuli river.