Kathmandu: A devastating monsoon-triggered flood in the Bhotekoshi River swept away the Miteri Bridge in Nepal’s Rasuwa district in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving at least 18 people missing, including six Chinese nationals, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred around 3:15 am, approximately 120 km northeast of Kathmandu, when intense rainfall in neighbouring China caused the river to swell rapidly, leading to flash floods.
The Miteri Bridge, a critical infrastructure link between Nepal and China, was completely washed away by the force of the floodwaters, along with several houses and five electric vehicles recently imported from China.
“The flood has caused heavy damage,” said Arjun Paudel, Chief District Officer of Rasuwa. He added that residents downstream have been advised to move to safer areas as a precautionary measure.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 11 people have been rescued so far, including two police personnel, thanks to a joint operation by the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police.
Search and rescue efforts are currently underway as authorities continue to monitor the flood situation closely.