Flooding disaster strikes the Nepal-China border region, leaving nine fatalities and 19 individuals missing as emergency response efforts are ongoing.
Since the catastrophic flash flood along the Nepal-China border on July 10, recovery and reconstruction efforts are underway, but they face significant challenges.
**Current Status of Recovery and Reconstruction**
Search and rescue operations continue with at least nine fatalities confirmed in Nepal and 19 people reported missing, including 13 Nepalis and six Chinese. Eleven people are missing on the Chinese side. The Nepal Army, aided by local residents, is working tirelessly to access the area, but the treacherous terrain and adverse weather conditions are hindering progress. Aerial rescues by helicopter have been difficult due to unpredictable weather.
The flash flood swept away the key Nepal-China Friendship Bridge in Rasuwagadhi, damaged a dry port under construction, and destroyed sections of critical roads. The Rasuwagadhi-Timure region remains cut off from the outside world, and all communication networks are down.
**Challenges**
The affected area is mountainous and prone to further landslides, making both ground and aerial access extremely challenging. Electricity, internet, and telephone services have been disrupted since the flood, complicating coordination and information gathering.
The destruction of the main trade route has stranded goods worth billions of rupees, threatening to cause shortages and price hikes ahead of major Nepali festivals such as Dashain and Tihar. Imported goods like electric vehicles, garments, footwear, and electronics are most affected. There is a heightened risk of further landslides and additional flash floods, especially as weather conditions remain unstable.
At this stage, the immediate focus remains on search and rescue. Comprehensive damage assessment and reconstruction planning are expected to take considerable time due to the severity of the destruction and ongoing adverse conditions.
Ram Bahadur Tharu, a survivor, was trapped in the area and lost six companions during the flood. The flood was triggered by a sudden surge from Tibet's Lhende River. Over 1,100 meters of road across ten different locations have been severely damaged. The Rasuwagadhi-Timure region remains cut off from the outside world three days after the disaster.
Authorities fear that several of the missing individuals may have been swept away or buried under debris in the customs yard. The flood along the Nepal-China border was likely caused by intense rainfall and a possible glacial lake outburst on the Chinese side.
Several container trucks and electric vehicles at the Rasuwagadhi dry port were destroyed. Four hydropower plants have sustained extensive destruction due to the flood. Disruption in electricity and telephone services is making the rescue operation harder, but efforts are underway to restore telephone connectivity and resume electricity supply.
The Friendship Bridge, a crucial trade link between Nepal and Tibet, has been destroyed. The Nepal Army and local residents are navigating dangerous slopes to access the area, and efforts continue to bring much-needed aid and resources to those affected.
News reports highlight the destruction of key infrastructure following the flash flood, such as the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge in Rasuwagadhi. Opinions differ on the cause of the flood, with some attributing it to a sudden surge from Tibet's Lhende River and others suggesting a possible glacial lake outburst on the Chinese side. The weather conditions in the region remain unstable, adding another challenge to the ongoing search, rescue, and reconstruction efforts.
