Rescue and search operations are continuing at the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project construction site in Nepal’s Rasuwa region following severe flooding. The Nepalese Army said it entered approximately 300 meters into the tunnel and found one body.

Key Changes

The newly confirmed development is that one body was found during the search. However, the nationality and identity of the body have not yet been confirmed.

The discovery of a body has been confirmed, but its identity and nationality remain unknown.

Current Status

The nine South Koreans reported missing are six employees of Doosan Enerbility and three employees of Korea South-East Power. As of 11:35 UTC on August 31, 2026, their final survival status and whether the body found is Korean have not been confirmed.

Separately, another report said that nine of the 10 South Koreans affiliated with Doosan Enerbility were transported to a safe area by a Nepalese Army helicopter on August 27. This report should not be confused with the nine South Koreans who remain unaccounted for.

Impact

The Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project being searched and targeted for rescue is a 216-megawatt project located in Nepal’s Rasuwa District, according to public project documents.

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified saving lives, determining the whereabouts of missing people, providing emergency relief, and supporting victims as priorities in the disaster response. It also said that specialized tunnel-rescue teams from India and China are cooperating with Nepalese authorities.

Next Confirmation Point

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it plans to hold its next briefing at 2 p.m. on September 1, 2026. It will be important to watch for additional official confirmation about the body’s identity and nationality and the status of the nine South Koreans who remain unaccounted for.

The currently confirmed information is as follows:

  • Location: Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project tunnel in Nepal’s Rasuwa region
  • Search progress: Entry approximately 300 meters into the tunnel and discovery of one body
  • South Koreans unaccounted for: Six from Doosan Enerbility and three from Korea South-East Power
  • Unconfirmed details: The nationality and identity of the body found, and the final status of the nine unaccounted-for people
  • Next official schedule: 2 p.m. briefing by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 1, 2026

Sources and verification time

  • Yonhap News Agency, “One body found in hydropower plant tunnel in Nepal where nine missing South Koreans worked”: https://www.yna.co.kr/amp/view/AKR20260831166300084
  • AP, “Hundreds of workers feared stuck in hydropower tunnels as Nepal flood deaths cross 900”: https://apnews.com/article/744fe6e15ae7751e15efcd6dff70170c
  • Yonhap News Agency, “Doosan and Korea South-East Power response teams to arrive soon… site chief remains, saying ‘we will take responsibility to the end’”: https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260827195600003
  • KBS WORLD, “Response Teams Focus on Locating Missing S. Korean Workers in Nepal Flood Zone”: https://rki.kbs.co.kr/service/news_view.htm?Seq_Code=203887&lang=e
  • Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Bhote Koshi Flood”: https://mofa.gov.np/content/1868/press-briefing-by-the-spokesperson-on-bhote/
  • Government of Nepal, “SEIA Report of Upper Trishuli-1 Hydroelectric Project”: https://giwmscdntwo.gov.np/media/pdf_upload/UT1_216_SEIA_7days_xk5ax9h.pdf

The above information was verified as of 11:35 UTC on August 31, 2026.