Rasuwa, July 8, 2025
A devastating flood triggered by relentless rainfall in China’s Kerung region swept through Rasuwagadhi in Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-2, Rasuwa district, in the early hours of Tuesday. The flood has caused severe infrastructure damage, human casualties, and complete disruption of cross-border movement between Nepal and China.
One of the most critical losses is the destruction of the Friendship Bridge, a vital trade and transit point connecting the two countries. The collapse has brought all cross-border travel and trade activities to a halt.
According to initial reports, the EV charging station in Rasuwagadhi has suffered major destruction, with 7 to 8 electric vehicles reportedly swept away. Additional infrastructure, including the yard of the Rasuwa Customs Office and the dam of the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, has also sustained extensive damage.
Tragically, 18 individuals are currently reported missing, including three Nepali security personnel, nine Nepali civilians, and six Chinese nationals. Among the missing security officials are Inspector Lal Bahadur Shrestha, Constable Munna Thakur, and Lokendra Bohora, who were actively involved in the initial rescue efforts.
In response to the crisis, a 94-member rescue team has been mobilized. The operation is led by Inspector Krishna Bahadur Dhital of the District Police Office, supported by Sub-Inspector Dhan Bahadur Tamang of the Area Police Office, Timure, along with additional teams from nearby police posts and temporary outposts.
Amidst the destruction, nine individuals-including one Nepal Police officer, one Armed Police Force member, and seven local residents-have been rescued safely.
Meanwhile, the Dhunche-Timure section of the Pasang Lhamu Highway in Gosaikunda-5 remains fully blocked due to flood debris, further hampering rescue operations and emergency logistics.
Local authorities, including the District Administration Office, security agencies, and municipalities, are working in close coordination to expedite rescue operations. As of now, search and rescue efforts are ongoing without interruption, despite the challenging conditions.
