Flooding in Nepal sweeps away bridge and claims lives

In Nepal, severe flooding occurred on July 7, 2025, as the Bhotekoshi River overflowed due to the effects of monsoon rains, leading to the destruction of the Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadi. This bridge was crucial for trade and transportation between Nepal and China, being located approximately 120 kilometers north of Kathmandu. The flooding reportedly swept away not only the bridge but also several houses and trucks parked at the border for customs inspections. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority confirmed that among those lost to the floods were both Nepali and Chinese nationals, with initial reports indicating that at least 18 people were swept away, including 12 Nepalis and six Chinese workers from a nearby construction project. Rescue operations commenced immediately, with police reporting that 95 rescuers were dispatched to the area to search for 19 missing individuals. Reports also indicated that 11 people remained unaccounted for on the Chinese side of the border. Rescuers managed to recover nine bodies from the river, and efforts were hindered by the severity of the flooding and terrain. As an army helicopter aided in rescuing stranded individuals, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli called an emergency meeting to coordinate and bolster the search and rescue efforts. The disaster halted all trade routes between Nepal and China via this route, compelling the reliance on alternative paths, which would involve shipping goods from China to India, followed by land transport to reach Nepal. The reasons for the flooding have raised concerns among meteorologists and disaster management authorities, as it is believed to be exacerbated by glacial lake overflow in Tibet rather than local rainfall. Monsoon rains frequently contribute to severe flooding during this season, inflicting devastation across the region. Reports from neighboring countries such as India and Pakistan highlight the broader implications of these monsoon events, as they have caused fatalities and significant infrastructure damage across borders. Decisive actions from government officials, safety forces, and local organizations have aimed to reduce further hazards while raising awareness about the possible looming threats presented by future monsoon seasons. Continued collaborative efforts between Nepal's higher authorities and international disaster management organizations like Sentinel Asia have focused on evaluating and mitigating future risks associated with extreme weather conditions and natural disasters.