Rasuwagadhi: Work has begun on the Chinese side to release water that accumulated in the Kerung Stream after a flood in the Lhende Stream on Tuesday morning. Chinese authorities are using heavy machinery to release the blocked water toward Chinese territory.
According to National News Agency Nepal, local border security officials reported that large rocks, uprooted trees, and logs had piled up at the confluence of the Lhende and Kerung streams, blocking the flow of Kerung and causing inundation towards China as well. The flooding submerged over 30 Nepali containers and some houses in Kerung, China.
On the Nepali side, 70 electric cars, six large Sino Company trucks, and 24 operational Nepali container trucks were swept away, according to Tulsi Prasad Bhattarai, Chief Customs Officer at Rasuwa Customs Office. Wang, a senior Chinese technician in Rasuwagadhi, reported that the sudden flood on July 8 swept away six Chinese nationals, three Nepal Police personnel, and five Nepali workers. Similarly, Dhruba Prasad Adhikari, Assistant Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, confirmed that a total of 20 people were swept away by the flood, including six Nepali drivers employed by a Chinese company.
Additionally, the flood swept away one tipper of Tibet Fuli Construction Group used in the construction of the dry port at Rasuwagadhi, along with one cement mixer, one excavator, one roller, and one Hilux jeep. Witnesses described the sudden flood coming in the river, prompting security personnel to shout warnings to move to safety. Despite quick actions, some individuals could not escape, while others managed to find refuge at Ghattekhola.
Kami Chiring Tamang, the chairperson of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality Ward No. 2, recalled receiving news of the flood and immediately alerting people in the customs yard to flee. The flood resulted in significant loss of lives and property, leaving the community in grief. Chairperson Tamang urged the government to prepare a comprehensive damage report and provide relief to the flood victims, emphasizing the need to create a safe environment for Nepalis in Kerung to return home.
Local resident Purushottam Paudel informed that arrangements have been made for travelers returning from ‘Manasarovar-Kailash’ to enter Nepal via the Tatopani border after the Miteri Bridge in Rasuwagadhi was washed away. Chief District Officer Arjun Paudel mentioned that travelers who have completed the Manasarovar Kailash journey and have already entered Nepal were airlifted to their destinations by helicopter on July 8 and 9.
Security personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force are engaged in search and rescue operations, assisting the incapacitated and helpless. The floods have destroyed most road sections from Syaphrubesi to Rasuwagadhi, leaving the area desolate. Ward Chairperson Tamang noted that damage assessments in the Rasuwagadhi area have started, but local residents and employees remain fearful.