KATHMANDU — Nepal is continuing an enormous search and recovery operation after devastating floods and mudslides swept through Himalayan communities, with rescuers still finding survivors more than a week after the disaster.

The latest rescues have provided rare moments of hope amid a catastrophe that has killed more than 1,300 people and left thousands unaccounted for. A Nepali woman was found alive after spending around 10 days trapped inside the remains of her collapsed home, while a Chinese worker was also rescued after surviving inside a hydropower tunnel.

Woman Rescued From Collapsed Home

One of the most remarkable rescues involved Chandika Kumari Shrestha, who was discovered alive in Betrawati village after becoming trapped inside an air pocket beneath the debris of her four-storey home.

Rescuers heard her cries and managed to reach her after clearing part of the wreckage. She was subsequently taken to an army hospital for medical treatment. Her family had already begun mourning her, believing she had died in the disaster.

The discovery has renewed hopes that other people could still be found alive in isolated pockets beneath collapsed structures.

Chinese Worker Survives Inside Tunnel

Another dramatic rescue involved Chinese national Lu Haitao, who survived for approximately 10 days inside a hydropower tunnel following the floods.

According to reports, Lu moved toward the highest part of the tunnel as floodwaters and debris entered the facility. Rescue teams eventually reached him and brought him out alive. His family in China had spent days waiting for information about his fate.

The rescue demonstrates the extraordinary difficulties faced by emergency teams working around damaged hydropower facilities.

Death Toll Has Passed 1,300

The disaster began after a glacier collapse on August 26 triggered a massive surge of water, rocks, mud and debris through Himalayan valleys.

More than 1,300 people have now been reported dead in Nepal, while nearly 5,000 remain missing according to the latest reports. The destruction has affected homes, roads, bridges and major infrastructure across several districts.

The disaster has also devastated areas close to Nepal’s border with China.

China-Nepal Border Crossing Destroyed

The Gyirong border crossing between Nepal and China’s Tibet region was severely damaged by the disaster.

The once-important trade and travel route was overwhelmed by mud, water and debris, destroying major infrastructure including a large customs building. Chinese authorities have reported dozens of deaths and hundreds of people still missing on their side of the border.

The destruction has disrupted an important commercial connection between Nepal and China and raised concerns about the resilience of infrastructure in mountainous regions.

National Mourning Across Nepal

Nepal is observing a national day of mourning for those killed in the disaster as rescue teams continue searching for missing people.

The scale of the tragedy has left communities facing mass burials, destroyed homes and enormous quantities of debris. Families continue to wait for information about relatives whose whereabouts remain unknown.

The government is simultaneously preparing for a long reconstruction process.

Thousands of Homes Need Reconstruction

Nepal is expected to rebuild around 20,000 homes in areas devastated by the floods, with thousands of structures completely destroyed.

Officials have estimated the overall economic damage at approximately $2.56 billion, highlighting the enormous financial challenge facing the Himalayan nation.

Rebuilding will require not only houses but also roads, bridges, electricity systems, communication networks and damaged hydropower infrastructure.

Search Operations Face Difficult Conditions

Rescue teams are confronting unstable terrain, huge quantities of mud and debris and difficult access to remote mountain locations.

Hydropower tunnels have become particularly important search areas because workers and residents may have taken shelter inside underground structures during the floods.

Specialist teams from several countries have provided technical assistance as Nepal attempts to locate remaining survivors and recover bodies.

Disaster Raises Climate and Infrastructure Concerns

The catastrophe has also renewed debate over climate risks in the Himalayas.

Glacial lakes and unstable mountain environments can create serious flood hazards, particularly as temperatures rise and glaciers change.

Nepal has already indicated that it needs to strengthen early-warning systems in vulnerable areas, including sections of its border with China.

The disaster could therefore lead to significant changes in how Nepal monitors glacial hazards and protects communities located downstream.

Hope Remains Amid the Devastation

The discovery of survivors after 10 days has provided an extraordinary source of hope for families still waiting for news.

However, authorities face an increasingly difficult task as the search moves deeper into the recovery phase. Thousands remain unaccounted for, while destroyed communities require emergency assistance and long-term reconstruction.

For Nepal, the coming weeks will involve a difficult transition from rescue operations to rebuilding lives and infrastructure while continuing efforts to identify missing people.

The latest rescues show that even after many days, survival remains possible under exceptional circumstances. For families still waiting, every new search operation carries the possibility of another remarkable recovery.