Nepal Tunnel Workers Rescued After 9 Days; VW Approves Major Restructuring

Two workers who had been trapped underground for nine days following a catastrophic flash flood in the Himalayan highlands of Nepal have been rescued alive. Government officials confirmed the men were brought safely out of a tunnel belonging to the Trishuli 3A hydropower plant in Nuwakot.

Devastating Nepal flood toll

The disaster struck on 26 August after a glacial collapse unleashed a torrent through mountain valleys. At least 1,250 people have been confirmed dead, while more than 4,200 remain missing. Nepal's disaster management authority estimates the flood caused at least $2.56 billion in damage, destroying more than 7,500 homes with approximately 20,000 more requiring rebuilding.

Volkswagen approves historic restructuring

In Germany, the supervisory board of Volkswagen Group approved the company's Future Plan 2030 — described by the carmaker as the most strategically profound transformation in its history. The plan includes cutting an additional 50,000 jobs and reducing the number of vehicle models. Four German factories remain under threat of closure. VW is struggling with collapsing sales in China, high US tariffs, and falling profit margins.

EU ministers debate deportation hubs

Interior ministers from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Greece met in Copenhagen to discuss establishing deportation centres outside the European Union. Migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected would be held in these facilities until return to their home countries becomes possible. Critics argue the plan risks indefinite detention and contravenes international protection standards.