Nuwakot | July 17, 2025
The key trilateral trade route connecting Nepal, China, and India through the Rasuwagadhi border point remains obstructed eight days after a devastating flood swept through the Lende Khola on July 9. Triggered by heavy rainfall and glacial overflow from Tibet, China, the disaster caused massive damage to roads, infrastructure, and lives in the Rasuwa district.
Despite relentless efforts by security forces and technical teams, the road section between Syafrubesi, Timure, and Rasuwagadhi remains impassable. Landslides and erosion have destroyed at least 12 points along the 12-kilometer stretch. Although nearly 98% of the reconstruction work is reportedly completed, officials say road clearance at Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-2, Lingling, remains a challenge due to active landslides and rugged terrain.
Heavy equipment, including three dozers and excavators, have been deployed at Timure and Lingling. However, the unstable slopes and ongoing slides are hindering progress. Drivers and technicians have described the route opening as highly risky, with some sections still requiring new track alignment.
Tragically, the flood also resulted in the disappearance of 20 individuals, including three Nepal Police personnel, six Chinese nationals, and several Nepali workers. So far, only the body of Police Assistant Inspector Lal Bahadur Shrestha has been recovered and identified. Rescue and recovery efforts continue with the deployment of Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and local authorities.
In the absence of the previously existing permanent bridge over the Lende Khola-washed away by the flood-cross-border connectivity remains severed. Chinese authorities are working to clear debris on their side, while Nepali officials are coordinating relief and rescue operations for affected citizens.
Currently, around 100 Nepali nationals stranded in Kerung, China, have been provided with food and shelter under the supervision of Chinese authorities. Preparations are underway to bring them back to Nepal through coordinated efforts between the two countries.
Assistant Chief District Officer Dhruva Prasad Adhikari said that reconstruction is progressing swiftly with multi-agency collaboration. “We are close to completing road restoration. However, the final stretch poses significant technical challenges,” he stated.
As climate-induced disasters continue to affect border regions, the Lende Khola flood highlights the urgent need for resilient infrastructure, better early warning systems, and stronger cross-border disaster preparedness mechanisms.
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