Kathmandu: Massive flood struck Rasuwagadhi in Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-1 early Tuesday morning, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least 18 people missing. The disaster has severely damaged key infrastructure, including the complete collapse of the Miteri Bridge, which connects Nepal and China, effectively halting cross-border movement.
The floodwaters reached the area around 3:00 AM and by 4:00 AM had swept away the bridge. By 4:40 AM, an EV charging station in Ward No. 1 was inundated, resulting in the loss of approximately 70 to 75 electric vehicles. Significant damage was also reported at the customs yard and the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower dam.
Among the missing are three police personnel involved in rescue efforts, six Nepali citizens, and three Chinese nationals. A total of 94 security personnel from Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force have been mobilized for ongoing search and rescue operations. So far, nine individuals have been rescued, including one Nepal Police officer, one Armed Police Force member, and seven local residents.
The flood has also blocked the Pasang Lhamu Highway near Gosaikunda-5, disrupting vehicular movement between Dhunche and Timure. Authorities are continuing rescue operations and damage assessments across the affected area.