Family waits for news as Nepal floods claim workers
Families of Indian workers in Nepal endure uncertainty as flash floods, triggered by a glacier collapse, leave hundreds missing and raise concerns about safety at hydropower sites. One family describes a missed call from a worker who disappeared amid the disaster.
Key takeaways
- Hundreds of people remain missing after flash floods in Nepal tied to a glacier collapse.
- An Indian migrant worker, Mahendra Vishwakarma, called home on August 25 and has since been uncontactable.
- ANDRITZ Hydropower confirms workers were present at the Upper Trishuli-1 project site and is coordinating with authorities in Nepal and India.
What Happened
The flash floods in Nepal, linked to a glacier collapse, have resulted in hundreds of people missing and a rising death toll reported at 626. Among the missing are Indian nationals employed at a hydropower project in Nepal. A mechanical fitter, Mahendra Vishwakarma, who had been working with ANDRITZ Hydropower since April, made a phone call at 8 am on August 25; after that call, his number stopped connecting and there has been no further contact.
ANDRITZ Hydropower confirmed its role as the contractor for electromechanical and hydromechanical works at the 216 MW Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project. The company stated that several of its direct employees and contracted personnel were at the site when the disaster occurred, with some rescued and relocated to safety while others remain unaccounted for. Nepalese authorities, local agencies, and the Indian Embassy have cooperated in the search and rescue efforts. Helpline numbers have been provided by ANDRITZ for families seeking information.
Families have sought assistance from local police and government officials, and there is ongoing contact with Indian representatives coordinating with teams in Nepal. As of late August, authorities indicated that some workers were missing and search efforts were continuing.
Why It Matters
The situation highlights the dangers faced by migrant workers at large infrastructure projects abroad and the difficulty of locating individuals after a sudden natural disaster. It also shows the involvement of multinational companies in disaster response and the role of diplomatic channels, including embassies, in coordinating safety and family welfare during such incidents. The event has placed pressure on regional authorities and the home state’s migrant-welfare mechanisms to assist families amid uncertainty.
Background
ANDRITZ Hydropower is described as the contractor responsible for electromechanical and hydromechanical works at the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project, a project with a capacity of 216 MW. The disaster affected Nepal and reportedly involved teams working at the site, with some personnel rescued and others unaccounted for. Families have engaged with local police and state officials to obtain information about their loved ones.
Key Facts
- Death toll from the floods is reported at 626.
- The floods were caused by a glacier collapse and affected parts of Nepal and Tibet this week.
- Mahendra Vishwakarma, a 50-year-old mechanical fitter, had been working in Nepal since April and called home on August 25 at 8 am; there has been no further contact since that call.
- Vishwakarma’s family says he is the only earning member and has four school-going children and elderly parents.
- Vishwakarma worked with ANDRITZ Hydropower, the contractor for the 216 MW Upper Trishuli-1 project; several direct and contracted staff were at the site when the disaster hit.
- Some colleagues have been rescued and moved to safety; others remain unaccounted for as search efforts continue with Nepalese authorities, local agencies, and the Indian Embassy’s involvement.
- ANDRITZ has provided helpline numbers for families: ANDRITZ India – +91-9311906260 and ANDRITZ Nepal – +977-9716236425.
What Happens Next
Search operations are ongoing with authorities and partners, and families are seeking assistance from state channels to facilitate travel and information flow. No date for a resolution or full recovery has been provided, but authorities described ongoing efforts to locate missing workers and coordinate with foreign representatives.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
