Rasuwagadhi: Details of the flood damage caused by the Lhende rivulet and the Bhotekoshi river along the Nepal-China border emerged, revealing significant destruction at the dry port in Rasuwagadhi, Rasuwa district. The flood, which occurred on Saturday night, resulted in severe losses and disruptions in the area.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Assistant Chief District Officer (CDO) of Rasuwa, Dhruba Prasad Adhikari, reported that the floodwaters swept away 23 goods-ferrying containers, 6 freight vehicles, and 35 new electric vehicles. Additionally, 20 people have been reported missing since the disaster, including three Nepali Police personnel, five drivers working in the dry port, and six Chinese nationals.
The floodwaters also caused substantial damage to local infrastructure. The dam site of the 111-megawatt Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project was washed away, completely halting power production. Furthermore, debris from the flood obstructed the 20-megawatt Chilime hydropower project, leading to a complete cessation of electricity generation. Efforts for repair and maintenance are underway to restore operations at the earliest. The 60-megawatt Upper Trishuli ‘A’ hydropower center also sustained damage from the flood and landslide, as reported by the Nepal Electricity Authority.
In response to the disaster, the Nepali Army personnel have successfully airlifted 55 individuals stranded along the riverbank to safer locations, according to Adhikari. The floodwaters also swept away the Miteri Pul (Friendship Bridge) on the Nepal-China border, severing direct connectivity to Kerung in China. Shortly after this point, the Lhende River merges with the Bhotekoshi River, exacerbating the flood impact. Further details of damages are awaited, as stated by police authorities.