Nepal flood survivors face critical survival window

Jennifer Horney, a disaster epidemiologist at the University of Delaware, highlighted the importance of emergency protocols and the potential availability of stocked supplies within the tunnels. However, the sheer force of the flooding may have obscured exits, complicating rescue efforts. Without safe drinking water, survival beyond three days is unlikely, Horney noted.

Access to breathable air is another significant concern, especially as the incident occurred six days ago. Geoscientist Jakob Steiner, based in Dhaka, mentioned that oxygen has reportedly been supplied to some individuals, but the overall situation remains a race against time. Beyond immediate physical needs, the mental toll of prolonged isolation is also a factor.

Thomas Chandler, director of Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness, pointed to a 2023 incident where 41 Indian workers were rescued after 17 days in a collapsed Himalayan tunnel, receiving food, water, and oxygen through pipes. He also noted that tunnel conditions, such as heat and humidity, could accelerate dehydration. Rescued individuals may require significant supportive care for both physical and mental recovery.