Kathmandu, 11 July 2025
A catastrophic flash flood that struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district early Tuesday morning has left a trail of devastation, raising serious questions about disaster preparedness and cross-border communication between Nepal and China. At least nine people have been confirmed dead, and 19 remain missing, with search and rescue operations ongoing in multiple districts, including Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi.
The flood, which occurred around 3:00 AM, wreaked havoc along the Bhotekoshi River and severely impacted critical infrastructure, including hydropower projects, customs points, and bridges. Authorities were left scrambling for answers as no significant rainfall was recorded in the region at the time, leading experts to believe the event was likely caused by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) or Landslide Lake Outburst Flood (LLOF) originating from the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China.
Despite early satellite indications and rising water levels, a warning SMS was only sent out at 6:30 AM, several hours after the flood had already inundated riverside settlements. This delay has sparked criticism over the effectiveness of Nepal’s early warning systems and raised concerns that the information was not communicated to vulnerable communities in time.
The disaster swept away 64 vehicles, including 23 cargo containers, six freight trucks, and 35 newly imported electric vehicles stationed at the Nepal-China dry port. Among the casualties are two Nepal Police personnel, with multiple reports indicating that China failed to promptly alert Nepali authorities about the potential flood risks, further escalating the crisis.
Significant infrastructure has been either washed away or damaged, including the Friendship Bridge over the Lhendey River, which served as a vital trade route to Kerung, China, and the Tatopani Customs Point, already in disrepair. The Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project (111 MW) and Chilime Hydropower Plant (20 MW) were severely affected, along with other energy assets including the Upper Trishuli A (60 MW) and Benighat Project (15 MW).
The Nepal Army and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council have so far rescued 55 people using helicopters, including a couple who clung to a tree in the flooded Trishuli River. However, the loss of lives despite advance warning, and the massive destruction of property and energy infrastructure, underline Nepal's vulnerability to climate-induced disasters.
This tragedy serves as a wake-up call for both Nepal and its regional partners. As climate change accelerates glacial melt and increases extreme weather events, cross-border coordination, particularly with China, becomes vital. Experts urge the establishment of a real-time data-sharing mechanism focusing on glacial activity, river discharge, and climate monitoring.
To prevent future disasters, investment in resilient infrastructure, efficient early warning systems, and community-level awareness programs must be prioritized. The events in Rasuwa illustrate how the lack of timely information, fragile geography, and limited disaster preparedness can quickly lead to human and economic loss.
As search efforts continue, the nation mourns the lives lost and reckons with the urgent need to adapt to a new climate reality.
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