Heavy monsoon rains triggered flash floods on Tuesday, leading to the tragic loss of at least three lives and the destruction of the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge in Rasuwa district, located north of Kathmandu. The floods not only washed away this critical infrastructure but also devastated the customs yard, stranding numerous vehicles and cargo containers.
Authorities revealed that the floods prompted the Nepal Army and police to initiate aerial rescue operations, successfully rescuing nine individuals; however, a significant number of people remain unaccounted for. Among the missing are three police officers who were swept away while attempting to assist in rescue efforts. Additionally, nine Nepali civilians, primarily truck drivers aiding in cross-border transport, and six Chinese nationals are also missing.
Nepal's topography renders it particularly susceptible to flash floods, with recent years witnessing heightened intensity in weather-related disasters, attributed to climate change. The monsoon season, which runs from June to September, exacerbates this risk, with previous years seeing considerable casualties — nearly 500 lives were lost due to monsoon-related disasters last year alone.
The grim situation is mirrored across the border in India, where recent floods in Himachal Pradesh have resulted in nearly 80 fatalities and many missing since mid-June. Heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc across five Indian states, with a reported toll of at least 14 fatalities over the past 24 hours.
Efforts are ongoing to locate those still missing and assess the full extent of the damage as communities brace themselves against the worsening impact of monsoon weather patterns in the region.
Authorities revealed that the floods prompted the Nepal Army and police to initiate aerial rescue operations, successfully rescuing nine individuals; however, a significant number of people remain unaccounted for. Among the missing are three police officers who were swept away while attempting to assist in rescue efforts. Additionally, nine Nepali civilians, primarily truck drivers aiding in cross-border transport, and six Chinese nationals are also missing.
Nepal's topography renders it particularly susceptible to flash floods, with recent years witnessing heightened intensity in weather-related disasters, attributed to climate change. The monsoon season, which runs from June to September, exacerbates this risk, with previous years seeing considerable casualties — nearly 500 lives were lost due to monsoon-related disasters last year alone.
The grim situation is mirrored across the border in India, where recent floods in Himachal Pradesh have resulted in nearly 80 fatalities and many missing since mid-June. Heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc across five Indian states, with a reported toll of at least 14 fatalities over the past 24 hours.
Efforts are ongoing to locate those still missing and assess the full extent of the damage as communities brace themselves against the worsening impact of monsoon weather patterns in the region.
