Nepal rescuers try to reach dozens trapped in tunnel after two found alive

Rescuers in Nepal are stepping up efforts to find scores of workers believed to be trapped in tunnels, nine days after the devastating flash floods which hit the area on the border with Tibet in China.

Hopes have risen after two people were pulled out alive on Friday. The body of a third person was also found in one of the tunnels used to supply hydropower stations.

The massive flash flood, believed to have been triggered by a glacial collapse, swept through a Himalayan valley last Wednesday, wiping out entire villages.

There are now 1,311 confirmed dead and 5,330 still missing in Nepal and Tibet. Hundreds of foreign citizens are believed to be among those missing, from at least 34 countries.

The full impact of the flood in Tibet is unclear. China has released information through state media outlets showing the devastation around the border, but has given few details about the victims or the impact on local villagers.

In Nepal, however, rescue operations are taking place at seven hydropower tunnels in which more than 150 people are feared trapped - as well as in 19 other areas.

In the early hours of Friday morning, rescuers heard what they thought could be voices at the Trishuli 3A hydropower site.

According to local reports, they called out "don't worry, we're here to rescue you" - and heard back a faint "okay".