Elderly woman survives 11 days under rubble after Nepal floods, rescuers find her after hearing her voice

Chandika Shrestha, 64, was pulled alive from rubble 11 days after powerful floods struck Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River region.

The woman was found on the fourth floor of a four-story building in Betravati, in Nuwakot district. The home was almost completely covered by mud, rocks and debris carried by the floodwaters.

During the search-and-rescue operation, teams heard faint cries coming from inside the damaged building. To avoid the risk of collapse and prevent injuring her, they stopped using heavy machinery and proceeded carefully, removing debris until they broke through part of the wall.

Floodwaters had engulfed Shrestha’s home, which was then covered by a thick layer of mud. While the other floors were destroyed, the 64-year-old remained trapped in the upper part of the building.

Immediately after she was rescued, she was given water and first aid. The woman was later flown by helicopter to a hospital in Kathmandu, where she is receiving the necessary medical care.

Her case has been described as a miracle, as she managed to survive in isolation for nearly two weeks during one of the worst natural disasters Nepal has experienced in recent years.

Heavy rainfall and surging waters in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers have caused floods and landslides, leaving hundreds dead and thousands missing.

Chandika Shrestha’s rescue has restored hope amid the tragedy, as teams continue searching for others who have yet to be found.