How engineers in a WhatsApp group are guiding Nepal's flood rescue efforts - Reuters

A massive flash flood swept through a valley in Nepal more than a week ago, causing extensive damage to the region’s infrastructure, including several hydropower facilities. The sudden surge of water inundated the area, destroying roads, bridges and the structures of the power plants situated along the river.

Authorities have reported that roughly 900 people are missing after the disaster, with the majority of the missing believed to be workers at six hydropower plants that were either operating or seeking shelter when the flood struck. The scale of the incident has prompted a large‑scale rescue operation involving local officials, emergency services and volunteers.

Rescue teams have been combing the valley, focusing particularly on the tunnels and underground chambers of the damaged hydropower plants. These confined spaces are considered high‑risk zones where survivors may be trapped, and teams are using specialized equipment to navigate the debris and assess structural stability.

An informal network of engineers has been coordinating their efforts through a dedicated WhatsApp group. The group, described as an “army of experts,” shares real‑time information, technical assessments, maps of the plant layouts and guidance on safe entry points. This digital collaboration is intended to streamline decision‑making and improve the efficiency of the on‑ground search and rescue work.

Officials remain hopeful that some of the missing individuals may have survived by taking refuge in or escaping through the tunnels of the hydropower plants. The ongoing operation continues to rely on the combined expertise of engineers, rescue personnel and local authorities as they work to locate and assist any survivors still trapped in the disaster zone.