Thick mud hampers rescue efforts as Nepal tunnel collapse traps victims

Rescue teams battling to reach survivors of a tunnel collapse in Nepal are facing significant logistical challenges as deep layers of mud continue to obstruct access routes and complicate evacuation efforts.

The mud buildup has created multiple obstacles for rescue workers, trapping victims deeper within the damaged tunnel structure and restricting movement through the disaster zone. The conditions have forced rescue teams to work methodically through treacherous terrain while managing the risks posed by the unstable environment.

Helicopter operations, critical to the rescue mission, have been particularly affected by the muddy conditions. The thick sludge coating the ground has made it extremely difficult for aircraft to land and take off safely, limiting the ability to rapidly transport rescued individuals to medical facilities or bring in additional equipment and personnel.

Authorities have deployed additional ground-based rescue resources to compensate for the aerial constraints, though progress remains slow. Rescue teams continue working around the clock, but the challenging conditions have extended the timeline for accessing trapped individuals and extracting them from the tunnel.

Nepal's disaster management authorities have indicated that weather conditions and terrain stabilization efforts are being prioritized to improve rescue operations in the coming hours.