Rasuwa, Nepal: A powerful flash flood swept away the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge on Tuesday, killing at least seven people and leaving 18 others missing, including six Chinese nationals and three Nepali police officers, officials confirmed.
The disaster struck early morning in Nepal’s mountainous Rasuwa district, causing massive destruction to border infrastructure, including a customs yard filled with trucks and cargo containers.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with the Nepal Army and police using helicopters to evacuate at least 55 people. Power outages have been reported due to damage at several hydropower sites.
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, after an aerial survey, said, “This flood has caused tragic loss of lives and heavy damage to critical infrastructure.”
Among the missing are mostly transport workers, drivers, and rescue personnel who were caught in the surging waters. The police officers reportedly disappeared while trying to save others.
Climate Woes Amplify Monsoon Fury
Nepal’s vulnerability to monsoon-induced flash floods has grown in recent years due to climate change, with unpredictable rainfall and glacial lake outbursts intensifying disasters.
In 2023, Nepal recorded 495 monsoon-related deaths. This year, India too is reeling from similar devastation—Himachal Pradesh alone has seen nearly 80 deaths since June 20, while 14 more fatalities were reported across five Indian states in the past 24 hours.
Authorities in both countries remain on high alert as the monsoon season continues through September.
