Key facts
- Hundreds of workers are trapped in tunnels following catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border.
- Survival for trapped individuals is critically dependent on access to oxygen, food, and water.
- The initial 72 hours are considered the most critical for survival.
- The availability of emergency supplies and protocols within the tunnels is uncertain.
- Past rescue efforts for similar tunnel collapses have involved delivering sustenance via pipes.
Hundreds of workers remain trapped in tunnels following catastrophic flooding along the Nepal-China border, with rescuers racing against time to reach them. Experts emphasize that survival hinges on critical factors such as access to oxygen, food, and clean water, particularly within the first 72 hours after the disaster. 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 survival needs, the mental toll of prolonged isolation is also a consideration. Thomas Chandler, director of Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness, pointed to the 2023 tunnel collapse in the Himalayas where 41 Indian workers were rescued after 17 days, having received food, water, and oxygen through pipes. The internal climate of the tunnels, whether hot and humid, can accelerate dehydration, and rescued individuals may require significant physical and mental support.