Flash Flood Along Nepal-China Border Sweeps Away Bridge, Vehicles; 18 Reported Missing

Last Updated:July 08, 2025, 12:52 IST

The flood was caused by heavy rainfall on the Chinese side and hit the border area early Tuesday morning, causing significant damage to infrastructure in Timure, Nepal.

A total of 18 people, including 12 Nepali and 6 Chinese nationals, have gone missing following severe flooding. (Representative Image)

A sudden flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River, which marks the border between Nepal and China in Rasuwa district, has washed away the Miteri Bridge along with several vehicles parked at the dry port.

The flood was caused by heavy rainfall on the Chinese side and hit the border area early Tuesday morning, causing significant damage to infrastructure in Timure (Nepal).

Arjun Paudel, Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, said that many vehicles parked at the customs port along the Bhotekoshi River were swept away by the flash flood. At that time, there were around 200 vehicles at the port.

A total of 18 people, including 12 Nepali and 6 Chinese nationals, have gone missing following severe flooding along the Nepal-China border.

The flood in the Lhendekhola river, which flows from Tibet towards Nepal along the border, struck on Tuesday morning. It swept away bridges and vehicles, and damaged parts of the Pasang Lhamu Highway, cutting off road access to Rasuwagadhi and causing significant disruption in Rasuwa district.

Among those missing are 3 police officers, 9 civilians, and 6 Chinese nationals, said Druba Prasad Adhikari (Assistant Chief District Officer of Rasuwagadhi). Search and rescue efforts are underway, but worsening weather conditions are hampering the operation.

The flood struck the area around 3 a.m. local time. So far, no deaths have been confirmed, but there are reports that some people sleeping inside vehicles parked at the dry port may have been swept away with the flood. We are currently verifying reports, said Druba Prasad Adhikari, Assistant Chief District Officer of Rasuwagadhi.

Authorities say heavy rain caused flooding that blocked the Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi part of the highway in Gosainkunda. This led to landslides and serious damage to the road, making travel and rescue efforts very difficult in the area.

The Armed Police Force (APF) of Nepal reported that the strong flow of the Bhotekoshi River washed away eight electric vehicles from a charging station in Timure. The dam at the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project was also damaged.

A team of 21 rescue workers, including seven specially trained members, led by Assistant Inspector Rabindra Dahal, has been sent from the APF base to help with the emergency.

The flood has also affected major hydropower plants in Rasuwa, Nepal, stopping electricity production of up to 200 megawatts.

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

Read More

Location :

Kathmandu, Nepal

First Published:

News world Flash Flood Along Nepal-China Border Sweeps Away Bridge, Vehicles; 18 Reported Missing