Deadly Rasuwa Flood Cuts Nepal China Link
Rasuwa, Nepal
Deadly Rasuwa Flood Cuts Nepal China Link, A devastating flood struck Nepal Rasuwa district on Tuesday morning, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction of infrastructure. The disaster was triggered by a sudden overflow from the Lhende River, which originates on the Chinese side of the border. The floodwaters swept away the Miteri Bridge, a key structure linking Nepal and China, completely cutting off road connectivity between the two countries at the Rasuwagadhi border point.
The flood also heavily damaged the Timure customs yard, a vital point of trade operations. According to Nepal Police, nine bodies have been recovered so far, while over 20 people remain missing, including security personnel and customs workers. Among the victims, only one has been identified. Rescue teams report that 20 people were washed away from the customs compound located approximately 1.5 kilometers downstream from the bridge.
Search and rescue operations are continuing with urgency, as the disaster has affected both Nepali and Chinese nationals. The body of Assistant Police Inspector Lal Bahadur Shrestha was recovered downstream in Chitwan, while two other police officers are still unaccounted for. Human remains have been discovered in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Chitwan, indicating the force and reach of the floodwaters.
A total of 383 personnel from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Nepal Army have been deployed for rescue and recovery efforts. So far, 57 individuals have been rescued, with 31 airlifted to safety by helicopter.
The flood caused catastrophic losses to infrastructure:
- 24 container trucks,
- 35 customs-cleared vehicles,
- 6 large trucks
were swept away from the customs yard.
In addition, around 16 kilometers of roadway have been severely damaged, isolating entire regions. The disaster also affected three hydropower projects, causing substantial setbacks in energy infrastructure in the region.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority is currently collecting detailed data on the human and economic impact of the flood. According to officials, a full damage assessment will be released soon by the relevant ministries. Initial reports suggest that the flood has halted cross border trade, disrupted electricity supply lines, and raised the risk of secondary landslides due to saturated terrain.
Experts warn that transboundary river flooding particularly those originating from glacial regions of the Himalayas is becoming more frequent due to climate change and unstable weather patterns. The Lhende River, fed by seasonal rains and glacial runoff from the Tibetan plateau, poses increasing threats to downstream settlements in Nepal.
This tragedy has also sparked renewed calls for stronger cross border flood warning systems and disaster cooperation between Nepal and China to minimize future loss of life and property.
The Rasuwa flood stands as one of the most severe natural disasters in Nepal in recent years, highlighting vulnerabilities in infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems. As rescue teams continue their search for the missing and emergency agencies work to restore damaged roads and trade routes, the nation watches with concern and grief. Nepal government has assured that support for affected families and rebuilding efforts will be prioritized, while international agencies are being approached for assistance and technical support.
