Nepal-China Bridge Swept Away by Floods, 20 Missing

Photo: AP

On Tuesday, a powerful flood caused by heavy monsoon rains swept away the main bridge that connects Nepal with China. This disaster happened when the Bhotekoshi River, which flows through the mountains in Nepal, overflowed due to continuous rainfall. The river’s strong and fast-moving water broke down the Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadi. This place is about 120 kilometers north of Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu.

What Happened During the Flood?

Because of this sudden flood, the bridge, which is very important for trade and travel between Nepal and China, was completely destroyed. Many trucks and vehicles that were parked at the border for customs checks were also swept away by the river’s force. These trucks were waiting for inspections before they could enter Nepal. Along with the trucks, several houses near the river were damaged or destroyed. The flooding also affected hundreds of electric cars that were imported from China. These cars were parked at the border point, waiting to enter Nepal.

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How Many People Are Missing?

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 20 people are missing after the bridge collapsed. Among them, 14 are Nepali citizens and 6 are Chinese nationals. These people were at the border area when the flood came and they could not escape the sudden force of water.

Who Are the Missing People?

The Chinese Embassy in Nepal informed that the missing Chinese nationals and eight of the Nepalis were workers. They were working on a construction project on the Nepali side of the border, which is being assisted by China. These workers were involved in building infrastructure to make the border area better for trade and travel.

Rescue Efforts by Authorities

As soon as the news of the disaster spread, rescue teams reached the area. Nepali security forces started rescue work immediately. So far, they have been able to rescue 55 people safely. These include four Indian citizens and one Chinese person. Dozens of rescuers have already reached the spot, and more are on their way to help find the missing people.

The Nepali army also sent a helicopter to the flooded area. This helicopter was used to lift people who were trapped because of the flooding and could not move to safer places on their own. It helped many people reach a safe location away from the dangerous river.

Prime Minister Visits the Flood Site

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Khadga Prasad Oli, along with other top ministers and officials, flew to the affected area to see the situation themselves. They met with the local administration and rescue teams. The Prime Minister said that the government will do everything possible to find the missing people and to rebuild the damaged area as soon as possible.

Impact on Trade and Economy

The destruction of the Friendship Bridge has stopped all trade activities from China to Nepal through this route. Earlier, goods and products were easily transported from China to Nepal using this bridge. Now, the only longer and more difficult option left is to ship goods from China to India first and then bring them to Nepal over land routes. This will increase the time and cost of importing goods and can cause shortages of important products in Nepal in the coming days.

Why Do Such Floods Happen in Nepal?

Nepal experiences heavy monsoon rains every year from June to September. During this period, many rivers fill up quickly and start overflowing. Because Nepal has many mountains and narrow river valleys, floods become more dangerous as the fast water flows downwards with great force. These floods damage roads, bridges, houses, and sometimes even cause landslides, blocking the roads for several days.

Previous Flood Disasters in Nepal

This is not the first time that floods have caused huge destruction in Nepal. Just recently, another flooding incident killed at least nine people in Nepal and left 19 missing. Every year, monsoon floods cause loss of life and property, making it difficult for the government to manage rescue and relief work in all areas at the same time.

What Is Being Done Now?

Rescue teams are working day and night to find the 20 missing people. They are searching in the river and surrounding areas with the hope of finding survivors. The government is also planning how to rebuild the Friendship Bridge quickly to start trade with China again. It is also taking steps to help the families of the missing and affected people by providing them with support and necessary items.

This disaster has shown how nature can destroy important infrastructure in a matter of minutes. The people of Nepal are praying for the safety of the missing and hoping that the rescue teams will find them soon. The government has assured that it will work fast to repair the damages and ensure that people living in such flood-prone areas remain safe in the coming monsoon days.