'Second life'

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-13 • Permanent link

Mired in darkness, Sanjay Sah clung to hope as he waited for rescue. On August 26, a devastating flash flood swept through the tunnel, trapping him inside. Miraculously, he survived by drinking muddy water and praying for salvation. Rescuers finally located him on September 4, and Sah was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Rumors of the tunnel collapse sent shockwaves through the global financial markets, with investors scrambling to reassess the risks associated with hydropower projects. Shares in companies that operate in Nepal's power sector plummeted, with some stocks losing as much as 20% of their value in a single day. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of infrastructure projects in the country.

Historians point to the 1938 Bhola cyclone, which devastated Bangladesh, as a cautionary tale. The cyclone's impact on the region's power grid highlighted the importance of robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness. Experts argue that the Nepalese government's failure to invest in flood-resistant construction and early warning systems has exacerbated the crisis.

As the investigation into the tunnel collapse continues, Sah's ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with infrastructure projects. The Nepalese government has promised to increase funding for disaster preparedness and infrastructure development. With the incident serving as a wake-up call, stakeholders are now focusing on implementing safer construction practices and emergency response protocols to mitigate the risk of similar disasters in the future.